A chronic lack of light industrial and warehouse capacity along the West Sussex coast is a threat to jobs in the county, according to property consultants Stiles Harold Williams.
The last significant available unit in the area – 3 Steyning Way, Bognor (10,715 sq ft) – was let to F&G Transport in December 2015.
Stiles Harold Williams are currently trying to find space for companies with a total requirement of 410,000 sq ft.
Planning consent is currently being sought for a new industrial site on the land adjacent to the new Rolls Royce facility at Oldlands Farm, Bognor – but timing may become a key issue in terms of attracting new businesses and providing jobs.
The firm has recently highlighted the issue in Brighton and Hove, with the city described as an ‘industrial desert’ in local and national media alike.
David Martin, Partner and Head of Sussex Coast for Stiles Harold Williams said: “There is a dire need of for new sites to come on stream as soon as possible with this pent-up demand.
“Not only will it prevent companies having to locate elsewhere, but also free up older stock when companies relocate to new developments, for companies who may not be seeking or cannot afford new buildings.”
