Property round-up: Smyths opens at Middlebrook; and more
TOYSTORE owner Smyths Toys has taken a 12,361 sq ft store at Orbit Developments’ Middlebrook Retail Park scheme in Bolton.
The company, which already has more than 60 stores employing over 2,300 people in the UK and Ireland, has taken the unit on a 15-year lease. It will employ 30 staff at Middlebrook.
A spokesman for the company said: “Opening a new store in Bolton is a great opportunity and is also sure to provide some fantastic employment opportunities in the local community. We are looking for motivated, enthusiastic staff and encourage them to find out more on our website.”
Mark Hanna, senior retail leasing surveyor at Orbit Developments, said: “We’ve been working hard to strengthen our line-up and we are delighted to be welcoming toy superstore Smyths Toys to Middlebrook.”
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THE first phase of SEGRO’s £3m upgrade of its Longwood Park scheme in Trafford Park is now complete.
The first phase comprised of the refurbishment of units 1-8, 9-15 and 16–21 at the 342,688 sq ft site.
The units were all re-roofed and refurbished internally to improve the overall quality of the three terraces along Longwood Road.
Future phases will include a number of older units – built in approximately 1960 – being demolished, which will create further yard space and off-road parking for the estate.
SEGRO also intends to improve security on the Park by installing new perimeter fencing and gates to Warren Road and Longwood Road, which will be closed outside normal business hours. Landscaping will also be improved and better signage will be added.
Hazel Lambert, senior leasing surveyor at SEGRO, said: “The first phase of refurbishment has significantly enhanced the quality of accommodation at the Park and has modernised the facilities for existing and new customers.
“This first phase is a great start to the wider refurbishment programme which will give a much needed facelift to Longwood Park.”
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TBA Textiles has taken an 85,468 sq ft unit at G3 Gorrells Way in Rochdale on a 15-year lease from real estate fund manager PRUPIM.
The unit, which was previously occupied by DHL, is a large, detached building with two-storey offices to the front on a self-contained, secure site.
PRUPIM was advised on the letting by Knight Frank. Rob Taylor, a partner at the firm’s logistics and industrial team in Manchester, said: “The premises had been vacant for less than nine months and whilst the market for units of this size remains difficult, it is pleasing to see a manufacturing occupier looking at their long-term requirements.
“The quality of the refurbishment together with the client’s willingness to be flexible on the terms, contributed to being able to ensure a comparatively short void period.”
