Lettings Latest: Johnson Automotive; Bruntwood; Orbit
JOHNSON Controls Automotive has signed up to a 150,000 sq ft pre-let at The Hive on Estuary Business Park in Speke.
The new distribution and manufacturing facility will help meet demand for Jaguar Land Rover.
Johnson, a specialist in seating systems and instrument panels, supplies JLR’s Halewood plant.
Howard George of B8 Real Estate who acted for the developer, CDP Marshall, said: “The deal which has been agreed in under three months including granting of full planning consent has been achieved through the willingness of both parties and the co-operation from Liverpool City Council.”
The site forms part of the 25-acre Hive site on Estuary Business Park owned by CDP Marshall. An additional 16 acres is available for further development. Johnson Controls’ facility should be finished early next year.
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FISHAWACK Scientific Communications has taken space at Bruntwood’s Caledonian House in Knutsford town centre.
The business, a division of the larger Fishawack Group which is also in Knutsford, has agreed a five-year lease on 1,597 sq ft for its 10-strong team.
Dr Rachel Sherman, head of Fishawack Scientific Communications, said: “As a company, Fishawack has a strong link to Knutsford. In recent years we have seen significant growth and our new dedicated Scientific Communications team is seeing particular success.
“We wanted a base for the team that was close to our main offices and the amenities that Knutsford has to offer. Bruntwood’s Caledonian House ticked all the boxes: a modern space offering us the opportunity to expand in a location that suits our needs perfectly.”
Sharon Johnson of Bruntwood said: “It is very encouraging to hear that a highly specialised company is thriving and actively expanding. Couple that with its ongoing support for Knutsford, means more good news. We’re delighted that they have chosen Caledonian House.”
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ORBIT Developments has let the 9,270 sq ft second floor at Gawsworth House on Crewe Business Park to global manufacturing company James Walker, on a 10-year lease.
James Walker, which supplies a range of high performance fluid sealing products, will relocate from No.1 Millennium Gate.
Orbit said it has invested £300,000 in the building, once home to Focus DIY, improving the reception, stairwells and quality of the office accommodation.
Paul McLeman, leasing director at Orbit, said: “We have seen a real demand for Gawsworth House since the refurbishment programme completed in 2012. The building offers high quality, value for money office space in a professional business park environment. We expect to see continued interest in the remaining space in this building.”
Allison Christou, project manager at James Walker, said: “The second floor at Gawsworth House will allow us to run our business across one floor; a more effective working environment for our operations. Orbit Developments were very flexible throughout the process and their proactive approach was invaluable in helping to complete our office move as smoothly as possible.”
