Speculative industrial development recalls famous British manufacturer
A speculative new business park bearing the name of one of the Midlands’ motor industry’s most historic marques, is to be developed in Worcestershire.
The Royal Enfield name is being brought back to life at a site in Redditch which used to be the motorcycle manufacturer’s production base.
The Hewell Road site, most recently used by a plating factory, is being redeveloped into an industrial park comprising 11 units, spread across 24,210 sq ft.
Units 1-5 are each approximately 3,228 sq ft but could be combined to create up to 16,140 sq ft. Units 6-8 are each around 1,076 sq ft but could be joined to create up to 3,228 sq ft. Units 9-11 are 1,614 sq ft, but together would comprise 4,852 sq ft.
The new units are expected to be in high demand because of the current shortage of industrial premises in the area. Firms operating trade counters are being targeted as potential tenants.
Redditch-based EDR Developments is behind the scheme, dubbed Royal Enfield Business Park, which began in February and is due to complete later this summer.
The work has seen the demolition of some of the derelict buildings on the site, some of which dated back to the Royal Enfield era.
Darren Ellis, a director of EDR Developments, said: “We are making a very significant investment which will bring employment to this area of the town.
“Aesthetically it will also make things a lot better than what has gone before.”
Property agents John Truslove carried out the marketing of the site.
Ian Parker, a director of John Truslove, said: “Following Hepworth Park and Acanthus Park being fully let, this is the only speculative development ongoing in Redditch.
“This shows confidence in the market where demand for flexible space has been evident for some time. We are expecting plenty of interest in this high-profile location.”
The Royal Enfield story began with the manufacture of parts for the Enfield rifle – the legacy of weapons manufacture was reflected in its logo comprising a cannon and the motto “Made like a gun”.
Royal Enfield was the brand name under which the Enfield Motor Cycle Company, founded in 1909, manufactured motorcycles, bicycles, lawnmowers and stationary engines.
Much like British rivals Triumph and Norton, the brand eventually fell victim to Japanese competition.
But, as with much of the British motorcycle industry, Japanese competition sent the company to the wall. Production of motorcycles ceased in 1970 and the original Redditch-based company was dissolved in 1971.
However, the bikes live on and continue to be produced in India.
