Property Round-up: Pre-let for Birchwood Park, HIMOR, Redrow, and more

YOUR Housing Group has struck a deal with MEPC Birchwood Park for a new 35,000 sq ft headquarters building.

The building at the Warrington business park will accommodate around 300 members of staff at the social housing provider which manages property across the North West, Midlands and Yorkshire.

Your Housing was created last year following the merger of social landlords Housing and Arena. The group has a turnover of £150m and 1,500 employees.

Chief executive Brian Cronin said: “We are very excited to have found a new permanent home and are delighted to be working with Birchwood Park’s onsite management team. Birchwood Park’s central location is the ideal choice in bringing our group together, and its transport connections are vital for helping us manage our properties across the region.”

Jonathan Walsh, MEPC Birchwood Park’s managing director, said: “Your Housing Group’s decision to establish their new head office at Birchwood Park is testament to the quality of our location, facilities and the community atmosphere provided at the park. Together, this forms the best solution to the group’s needs.”

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HOUSEBUILDER Redrow has acquired a development site near Altrincham from Trafford College with outline planning permission for up to 70 houses.

The developer has bought a 5.6-acre plot behind the college campus on Stamford Brook Road, Timperley, next to one of its Stamford Brook development. The value of the transaction was not disclosed.

Victoria Murray, head of land and planning for Redrow Homes (NW), said: “We have a strong track record of delivering homes that meet the needs and aspirations of Altrincham’s homebuyers.

“Our Stamford Brook development continues to prove extremely popular. As such we are delighted to have acquired this neighbouring site, which will enable us to bring even more high quality family housing to the area.

“Our proposed new development will not only continue to satisfy the strong local demand for new homes, it will also provide a further boost to the economy with the creation of construction jobs.”

Michelle Leslie, vice principal resources at Trafford College said: “The proceeds from the sale will enable us to continue with this work and support the local economy, in particular by providing a centre of excellence for science and technology.“

The Manchester offices of Colliers International and Guest Garsden handled the sale on behalf of the college.

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PROPERTY Group HIMOR has secured a string of lettings at Ship Canal House in Manchester, and Bradley Hall Trading Estate, Standish.

At Ship Canal House, pictured below, Core Education and Consulting Solutions, which includes recruitment division ITN Mark, have signed a 10-year lease on a 2,700 sq ft office suite.

Having retained BNP Paribas in Autumn 2012, their arrival means that the eight floor is now occupied.

Two businesses, luxury car exporter GV Logistics, and fit-out contractor Naylor & Walkden, took on over 11,200 sq ft in January at Bradley Hall. In 2012 19 new businesses were attracted to the 430,000 sq ft trading estate.

HIMOR’s Paul Wrigglesworth said: “In Autumn last year we announced a new marketing scheme for the estate whereby we would accept introductions, rather than using retained agents. This appears to be reaping rewards, but we will work hard in 2013 to ensure occupancy improves even further.”

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MANCHESTER City Council has identified 27 properties in East Manchester that will be transferred to Stockport-based Rowlinson Construction, to refurbish and improve.
 
The council says the scheme will provide quality, affordable homes which should encourage people to stay, or move to the area.

Cllr Jim Battle, deputy leader at Manchester City Council, said: “East Manchester remains a regeneration priority for the city and providing affordable home ownership for residents is high on the list – which is why this initiative ticks all the boxes.
 
“Of course, the benefits of turning empty properties in to high quality homes and encouraging home ownership are the obvious positives for the area. But it’s also extremely exciting that local people will be given the opportunity to work on these homes, developing their trade knowledge and gaining the invaluable skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.”
 
The properties will be transferred on an agreed deferred payment basis, whereby any profit from sales will be shared on an equal basis following the deduction of costs.

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HARLEY Scott Holdings has bought a 42,300 sq ft office block in Padiham, near Burnley from the Skipton Building Society.

The four storey Innovation House on the Shuttleworth Mead Business Park was occupied by Skipton division HML.

Burnley-based Harley Scott is owned by Toby Whittaker who used to trade under the Dylan Harvey name.

Nolan Redshaw and Edwards & Co acted were joint agents on the instruction.