My Favourite Building – TK Maxx, Walsall

SINCE launching on TheBusinessDesk.com last year, My Favourite Building has visited the Empire State Building, The Gherkin in London and Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. This week, we’re off to Walsall with Mike Price (below) from the Birmingham office of real estate services firm Knight Frank. If you would like to take part in ‘My Favourite Building’, please email tamlyn.jones@thebusinessdesk.com.


As far as recognising architectural excellence goes, the fact that I’m an industrial or “shed” agent means that I’m often in for a fair amount of stick when I start to express my opinion on what should be up for the Stirling Prize.

In my area of expertise, it is usually size that matters and the old property mantra – location, location, location. So, when it comes to identifying my favourite building, perhaps not surprisingly, I am interested in more than just good looks.

The building that I’ve chosen is a 270,000 sq ft warehouse on Green Lane in Walsall…..for the shoppers among you, you’ll know it better as the TK Maxx unit.

Before you laugh too hard, it’s what this building represents that is so valuable and to quote another adage – it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

Mike Price, industrial agency partner, Knight FrankThe building, which was completed in 2004, is fully occupied by the discount fashion and homeware retailer and, most importantly, created 1,200 new jobs in the town.

As a Walsall boy, born and bred, I’ve watched how the town has worked to improve its perception and to raise expectations in its population, and TK Maxx’s decision to invest here, rather than in Coventry or another regional location, has been facilitated by these improvements.

As part of the professional property team that was advising the developers, I did in my own way assist in bringing TK Maxx to my hometown, which gives me a warm glow when I drive past.

But it’s because of what happens inside the building and the difference that it’s made to the area, that it’s my favourite building.

For the latest news from the region’s top business schools click here.

 

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close