Works starts on Dudley probation office scheme

CONSTRUCTION work has started on a two-storey office scheme at Dudley’s Castlegate Business Park, Dudley for the Staffordshire and West Midlands Probation Trust.

Birmingham-based property specialist Stoford, appointed Benniman Construction Group to build and fit out the 10,000sq ft development, which is scheduled for completion later this year.

The project has been funded by AC Lloyd, which will retain the completed development within its portfolio.  It is Stoford’s second development on the site, owned by the Homes and Communities Agency, after its recent completion of a 63 –bedroom Premier Inn hotel and restaurant.

Dan Gallagher, joint managing director of Stoford said: “We look forward to delivering these two important schemes which are the result of outstanding cooperation and excellent team work.”

Steve Holland, Head of Asset Management at the Homes and Communities Agency said the scheme would have a positive impact on the economy of Dudley.

Power generator takes out new space in Solihull

UK Power Reserve, advised by JSF Property Consultants, has taken 2,968sq ft of office space at Radcliffe House, Blenheim Court, Solihull.

UK Power Reserve, which develops and operates flexible power generation in the UK through a network of power plants, has agreed a 10-year lease over part of the building’s sixth floor.

Tim Emrich, Chief Operating Officer of UK Power Reserve, said: “The move places our business into central Solihull, and delivers a fantastic working environment for both our staff and visiting clients. Relocating the operation into Radcliffe House fits with our growth strategy enabling us to future proof our state of the art operational control room and accommodate our growing specialist team in grade A offices in a great location.”

Jonathan Fear, director of JSF, said: “We’re delighted that we could help UK Power Reserve in their search for new offices and secure the business high quality accommodation within a landmark building.”

Cllr Ian Courts, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, said the deal was good for the town as it reinforced its reputation as the location of choice for energy, renewables and green technology.

“As a council, we continue to work closely with our business community to bring in investment, create jobs and other business opportunities.  We’re currently assisting UK Power Reserve with recruitment.  Their decision to expand within Solihull shows that the area remains a prime location for international businesses,” he said.

The landlord Credit Suisse was represented by Savills and Salway Bradbury.

Bromsgrove hotel group sells Bournemouth property in £3m deal

BRITANNIA Hotels has acquired a 145-bed hotel in Bournemouth owned by Bromsgrove-based Forestdale Hotels in a deal worth around £3m.

The deal, which takes the total number of venues owned by Britannia to 44, is for the Carrington House.

Forestdale Hotels is a subsidiary of Akkeron Hotels, which purchased the Worcestershire business three years ago when it had 18 hotels and a turnover of £30m.
 
Britannia, headed by Alex Langsam, also owns Pontins after buying it out of administration in 2011, and the London Road fire station in Manchester which was the subject of a failed compulsory purchase bid by Manchester City Council in 2011. It wanted to take control of the building which has been unused for around 25 years and sits on a key “gateway” site close to Piccadilly station.
 
Earlier this year Britannia bought the Waterside Hotel in Peterhead, Scotland and the Britannia Hotel Edinburgh. Britannia has confirmed the latest deal on its website but could not be reached for comment.