Independent property adviser, GVA, has let the Wolverhampton Zenith Control Centre – a purpose-built, high specification control centre – on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).
Extending to some 30,000 sq ft in a fully secured environment on Wolverhampton Business Park, the former control centre has been let to local business OOSHA Co Ltd, an ICT solutions provider currently based in central Wolverhampton.
Andy Venables, Director National Markets with GVA handled the letting: “The Zenith Control Centre in Wolverhampton provides a virtually walk-in solution for OOSHA and I am extremely pleased that the high specification finish, in-built technology and resilient, secure environment fitted the company’s requirements.
“Of the nine control centre buildings originally developed, four have already been let to branches of the emergency services, but this is the first to be let to a private sector SME, which only goes to prove the great versatility of the buildings.
“OOSHA is exactly the type of local SME business that DCLG was hoping to attract when the Zenith Control Centres were first marketed. An encouraging level of interest is also being shown in the remaining four centres – some at an advanced stage of negotiation.”
Matthew Newton, Operations Director of OOSHA is delighted with the move: “We at OOSHA Ltd are really pleased that the opportunity to utilise the fantastic Fire Control Centre facilities for the good of the local education and business community has come to fruition.
“The building was re-launched in the new year as the OOSHA Technology Centre, with the primary ambition of providing exceptional meeting and learning facilities for local schools, colleges and business people. The Centre also provides local businesses with internet connectivity, data hosting and IT Services via a new Data Centre that will be the equal of anything else in the UK.
“Having such an impressive and modern facility that will act as a hub for all IT, training and meeting needs will only enhance the fantastic return to growth we are starting to see in the local area whilst also ensuring local education establishments have access to affordable, flexible learning space.”
The self-contained three storey building incorporates integral office space and a double height control room, specialist equipment and plant rooms, storage space and full catering facilities. The building is accessed through a gate-house, fitted with comprehensive CCTV, and has diesel-powered standby generators.
Fire Minister Brandon Lewis said: “It’s very satisfying to see a private sector business take one of the Zenith buildings, and even more so as it is a local small business and it is expanding enterprises such as this that will help promote economic growth. With this and the other buildings now let, we are delivering a good deal for taxpayers by ending the liabilities left by the last Administration and its failed programme.”
The agreement with OOSHA illustrates just one example of a wide range of suitable occupiers for the buildings. These could include data centres, business recovery and continuity companies, call centres, operations rooms and educational providers.