Winnersh Triangle, the business park near Reading, is set for another year of success in 2016, following a bumper 2015 in which the business park won an award, made huge strides with new development, and greeted a series of new high profile tenants.
As well as developing 180,000 sq ft of new accommodation, Winnersh Triangle welcomed the arrival of Rockwell Collins, the global aerospace and defence company, in a transaction that was recognised as Commercial Property Deal of the Year at the Thames Valley Property Awards 2015.
This forthcoming year now holds the prospect of completion on two key development projects: 1030 Eskdale Road, a £27 million speculative Grade A office scheme of 60,000 sq ft; and 220 Wharfedale Road, a 52,000 sq ft office redevelopment.
Will Lawrie, commercial director at PATRIZIA UK Ltd, which co-owns and manages Winnersh Triangle, is looking forward to bringing these milestone projects to fruition: “The development schemes due to complete this year at Winnersh Triangle will provide new accommodation of the highest finish and quality, greatly enhancing the park’s built environment and bringing new jobs and business to the local economy. Our significant investment in these projects demonstrates our commitment to the long-term success of the park and strengthens its reputation as a top-tier commercial destination.”
In total over 2015, Winnersh Triangle completed more than 200,000 sq ft of leasing activity, including the award-winning deal for Rockwell Collins UK Ltd, which delivered the company’s new 70,000 sq ft centre of excellence.
Other new arrivals joining the vibrant community of businesses on the park include Subsea Components, a global provider of services to the oil and gas industry, which leased 53,041 sq ft of warehouse accommodation, and Resource Experience Ltd, a field marketing company, which now occupies 30,840 sq ft. Companies committing to lease renewals included Knowledgepoint in 37,846 sq ft of warehouse space and Sequans in a 4,236 sq ft office.
To enhance existing facilities, landscaping works are being undertaken to create a new podium area which will provide a new space for park events, and refurbishment of more than 27,000 sq ft has been completed, including 620 Wharfedale Road (20,455 sq ft) and 150 Wharfedale Road (3,481 sq ft).
Further amenities were delivered with the opening of a 93-bed Travelodge hotel and Wokingham Borough Council’s Park & Ride scheme became operational in October from its new location, adjacent to Winnersh Triangle train station.
Winnersh Triangle has 1.4 million square feet of built stock with more than 60 diverse companies employing 4,500 people on site. Major tenants include Jacobs (UK) Ltd, Virgin Media, BMC, Microchip, Grant Thornton, Lloyds Bank, WH Smith, Atos and CenturyLink.