Premises acquired by prison services operator
Prisoner transport and security service GEOAmey has acquired a new vehicle base and training facility at Park 32 in Pontefract.
The operator has agreed a deal with developer, Gregory Property Group, to lease a 21,437 sq ft unit over a ten-year period.
Park 32 is a new, 150,000 sq ft industrial development close to Junction 32 of the M62 motorway.
The speculative development by Gregory Property Group comprises four purpose-built units ranging from 12,000 sq ft up to 82,500 sq ft to suit a variety of occupiers for distribution, manufacturing and storage.
A 12,000 sq ft unit has already been sold to Specialist Tooling Technologies.
GEOAmey operates on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) in England and Wales, and the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Criminal Justice Partners (CJPs) in Scotland.
Its services ensure adults and young people in custody are safely and securely escorted in a fleet of specially designed vehicles.
It also provides supervision and care of defendants in court custody suites and court room docks.
The property at Park 32 is for GEOAmey staff only and no persons in custody or their belongings will enter the site.
A spokesperson for GeoAmey said: “We are pleased to secure this new vehicle base and training facility at Park 32.
“Our move to Pontefract will support changing operational requirements for the next generation of our contract which will last 10 years, starting in August 2020.
“Park 32 is ideally located close to the motorway and provides an ideal environment for our operational needs. The fact that this unit is readily available also suits our relocation requirements and contract obligations.”
Andrew Foggitt, of Gregory Property Group, said: “We are delighted to agree this deal with GEOAmey with more suitable premises for its future contracts.
“Park 32 is an ideal location for the group since it is less than one mile from Junction 32 of the M62 giving immediate access to the motorway network.”
Marshall Construction built the £15m development, just opposite Pontefract Racecourse, ahead of schedule and Gregory says it has received strong interest in the remaining units.
Local attractions include the adjacent Park Side Retail Park, Xscape and Junction 32 Outlet Shopping Village.
The new Axiom retail park and community stadium for Castleford Tigers are also proposed for the area for delivery by 2021.
The Leeds offices of property consultants Avison Young and Carter Towler are appointed to market the scheme.
