A charity’s second superstore in the region is set to open in Market Harborough this month (April) following the letting of a large, newly built retail unit on Welland Business Park by property agent, Eddisons.
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland has secured a lease on the 5,050 sq ft unit at Q1 on the park on Valley Way, off Rockingham Road. While the charity does have a superstore in Leicester city centre, this is its first in its countywide catchment area and is in a location which it feels is accessible to a wider customer base and area for donations, beyond the county’s boundaries.
Retail business makes up one quarter of Age UK’s income at a national charity level with its retail professionals always seeking new enterprises for income streams.
Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland’s new superstore at Welland Business Park will also host access points to the charity’s online proposition through its presence on a raft of digital channels including e-Bay and Facebook Marketplace – an initiative it has recently introduced in adapting to changes in consumer behaviours.
As Tony Donovan, Executive Director of Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland, explains, location and accessibility – in combination with the size and quality of the space the prominence of its position on the park – were the key drivers in the charity deciding to open only its second superstore in its retail portfolio at Q1 Welland Business Park.
He added, “Securing a destination for our new superstore in Market Harborough represents a significant step forward for Age UK Leicester Shire & Rutland. This development enables us to expand our retail operations while reinforcing our commitment to supporting older people across the region.
“The proceeds generated through this store will directly fund essential services and projects that make a meaningful difference in the lives of local older people. We are excited to bring this new venture to Market Harborough and to strengthen our connection with the local community.”
Eddisons’ Amanda Lawrence – who led the letting instruction and negotiations on behalf of the landlord – is confident that the new superstore will soon become a regional retail landmark on the park, given its prominence alongside nearby national retailers and trade counter operators, such as B&M, Howdens and Halfords, with a new large ALDI store consented nearby.
In addition, Eddisons confirms that with the letting of Q1, only its companion unit, Q2 – also 5,050 sq ft of newly built commercial space – remains available to let.
Both units are on a site of 50 car parking spaces with EV charging provision and, as with Q1, Q2 is a build complete unit with roller shutter loading door to the side and is offered to let with immediate occupation for a range of commercial uses.
