The importance of high-performance engineering and motorsport has long been recognised in Northamptonshire as a driver of the local economy in terms of jobs and value added, as well as inward investment. This has prompted commercial developer Clowes Developments to look to develop a new 345,300 sq ft (32,052 sq m) industrial scheme – Podium Business Park – which could offer a highly visible anchor for this sector.
Northamptonshire’s long history in the high-performance engineering sector started with Silverstone in the 1950s but has significantly expanded and diversified. This has put increasing pressure on the County to make available the right quantity and quality of land and premises to attract and retain such high value businesses.
Podium Business Park is proposed to ease this constrained supply by delivering industrial/warehouse units from 8,000 sq ft (743 sq m) up to a detached facility of 75,000 sq ft (6,968 sq m) – strategically located directly adjacent to the A43 near Silverstone Motor Circuit. The units will be speculatively constructed in a number of phases to an institutional specification.
Commercial agent, Prop-Search has been instructed as sole marketing agent and Director Ian Harman said: “At the traditional core of high-performance engineering in Northamptonshire is the manufacture of F1 and other racing cars and engines. However, the supply chain includes a large number of associated companies which provide niche products, testing and measurement services, and high-end customised finishes – often requiring bespoke premises.”
“This scheme will build on the success of the adjacent industrial estate and provide a complimentary opportunity for economic growth in West Northamptonshire, in a location which has high quality links to local, regional and national markets.”
James Richard, Director of Clowes Developments, added: “With our philosophy and emphasis on delivering premium quality buildings, we are confident that Podium Business Park can present such individuality and high specification as required by this sector. We are able to provide occupiers with bespoke fit-out solutions to suit individual occupier requirements and terms are available on a freehold or leasehold basis.”
