‘Exciting growth plans’ sees Gymshark expand again

One of the UK’s fastest-growing companies is expanding again, taking 31,000 sq ft close to its new headquarters.

Gymshark, the fast-growing clothing retailer has leased the warehouse space at Blythe Valley Park in Solihull.

Six months ago moved into a 42,000 sq ft office building at the IM Properties site after a £4m investment.

It has now taken a unit within the Connexion scheme, a speculatively-developed campus of more than 200,000 sq ft of industrial and logistics space.

Gymshark’s chief strategic officer Paul Richardson said: “Our acquisition of another unit here is our next step towards exciting growth plans and underlines our commitment to the region. We’re all looking forward to what’s to come.”

Part of Blythe Valley Park is expected to be sold to real estate investor Kennedy Wilson in the coming weeks, although IM Properties will continue to own phase two of the site, which will see up to 750 homes built, and Connexion.

IM Properties’ development manager Rachael Clarke said: “We decided to spec build the scheme due to the shortage of mid-box industrial units on the M42 corridor and the opportunity to create a truly mixed-used offering at Blythe Valley Park.

“Hofer Powertrain Products, who will be manufacturing a new hybrid transmission system at Connexion, was the first to sign up even before practical completion.

“Our strategy for combining industrial, commercial and residential alongside amenity and leisure facilities has clearly been the right one and helped to secure two fantastic occupiers whilst also achieving record rents.”