A vacant former housing depot in Leicester has been transformed with the development of a new £6.25 million light industrial scheme.
Commercial property developer, Brackley Property Developments, has completed the construction of Blackbird Industrial Park, which comprises more than 30,000 sq ft of new light industrial units at the site on Blackbird Road, on behalf of Leicester City Council.
The scheme comprises four new and environmentally sustainable buildings which are subdivided to provide 21 high quality small units for start-ups and growing businesses, meeting a regional demand for commercial and industrial workspace.
Units are EPC A-rated and range in size from 750 sq ft – 2,500 sq ft. Features include roof-mounted solar panels, super insulation and low-energy smart lighting, and the site provides on-site parking, EV charging and bicycle storage facilities.
The brownfield site was previously home to the Ian Marlow Centre, a former housing depot used by Leicester City Council, which included vacant office, workshop and storage buildings.
The scheme was financed by the government’s Levelling Up Fund following the city council’s successful bid for £19.4million of new investment in 2021 to support the growth of workspaces in Leicester.
BPD won the remit from the council to redevelop the site, following a competitive tender. Wilten Construction was the main contractor and the professional team included Summers Inman LLP, Stephen George + Partners, BSP and BWB Consulting.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle, managing director of BPD, said: “We’re very pleased to hand over these four new, low-carbon buildings to Leicester City Council. We’ve worked closely with the council for more than a year to redevelop the site, demolishing redundant buildings and replacing them with flexible light industrial space. The new units are suitable for various uses and will support the growth of local employers in Leicester.”
City Mayor Peter Soulsby, said: “This new and much-needed industrial park has regenerated a vacant council site to help meet the growing demand for commercial and industrial workspaces for start-up and growing businesses in Leicester.
“Along with supporting local employers and the creation of new jobs, this fantastic new development also demonstrates our ongoing commitment to investing in cleaner, greener and low carbon infrastructure to support the future prosperity of our growing city.
“Brackley has once again proven itself to be a fantastic development partner. Blackbird Industrial Park sets a benchmark in quality for small industrial units in the city.”
