Stoford and AXA Real Estate, the leading portfolio and asset manager in Europe, have announced that construction work has commenced on a new 231,420 sq ft storage and distribution warehouse at Stonebridge Cross in Droitwich, Worcestershire, which has already been pre-let on a 15 year lease to the UK’s number one floorcare brand*, VAX.
Vax will relocate and consolidate staff from two other sites into the new building, which also serve as its UK distribution headquarters.
The project is the final phase of a 1.2m sqft, 17 building development project which will have brought 17 business and over 9,000 employees into the area since construction first began in 1997.
David Brown, director of Midlands property specialists Stoford, joined representatives from Vax, investor AXA Real Estate, which is acting on behalf of a client, and construction company, John Sisk & Son, at a sod-cutting ceremony that marked the start of the building of the new business facility.
The turning of the first sod was witnessed by Vax Operations Director John Upperton, Development Director at AXA Real Estate Stephen Yates, and John Sisk & Son Regional Director, Kim Shevyn.
The facility at Stonebridge Cross will include two storey office space for a call centre, car parking, loading yard and landscaping. Completion is scheduled for late summer 2014.
David Brown, Director at Stoford said:
“We’re delighted to see work progressing on the final plot at Stonebridge Cross for Vax. It’s a site that has an enviable landscaped setting and one which we hope will be well-suited to Vax, a company with such ambitious expansion plans.”
John Upperton, Operations Director at Vax said:
“We’re looking forward to providing a new purpose-built, modern working environment at Stonebridge Cross. As our recent selection in the ‘Sunday Times 100 Best Company To Work For’ shows, we’re focused on making Vax a great place to work, with happy, positive employees delivering a great service to our customers. An important part of this is creating inspiring workplaces and we’re confident this investment will help us continue to attract and retain the very best talent, as we continue to expand.”
Kim Shevyn, Regional Construction Director, John Sisk & Son said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded the contract by Stoford, a repeat and respected client. We look forward to developing a strong relationship with Axa Real Estate and importantly, providing Vax with a first class distribution facility.”