Leading UK cheese and dairy exporter, Somerdale International, which occupies six units in the completed and sold out Block 3 at Westpark 26, has announced it will be taking a further two units in Block 2.
The remaining three units in Block 2 have been sold or let. One is in solicitor’s hands for a new lease and one is let to Somerset County Council’s Scientific Services. Established in 1935, this high-tech division of SCC provides scientific expertise, analysis and advice as well as an extensive range of high quality analytical testing services.
Somerdale will use its additional 5,850 sq ft of space in the two new units primarily for storage and refrigeration, as well as for packaging and additional office space with the installation of a mezzanine floor. Including its original six units in Block 3, this takes Somerdale’s total floor space at Westpark 26 to over 10,000 sq ft,
Summerfield are now commencing works on site for the new phase of development on Westpark, Block A. Of the 14 units available in Block A, six units are now reserved and the remaining eight are offered for sale of let.
Duncan Brown, partner at Greenslade Taylor Hunt said: “Block 2 has been a sell-out success and Block A looks set to continue in the same vein. The ultra-convenient location, adjacent to the successful Chelston Business Park just off the M5 at Junction 26 and close to Taunton and Wellington, continues to attract interest, while the versatility of the Westpark 26 offering, from office space to light industrial units, translates interest into commitment. There is strong interest in the remaining eight units and we expect to secure deals on all of these soon.”
Comments Ben Trickey, Divisional Director at Summerfield: “As developers, we are experienced at tailoring buildings to occupiers’ needs. This is reflected in the take up by organisations that need very different design and build solutions, from the storage, packing and distribution of cheese and dairy products to a laboratory-style set up for scientific use, with office space. We are particularly pleased that Somerdale has elected to expand its business at Westpark 26, reflecting its success within the premises it already occupies.”
Somerdale International was founded in 1990 by business partners, Stephen Jones and Ernie Waldron. Since then the company has grown and now exports to over 50 countries around the world supplying over 250 cheeses.
Says Stephen Jones: “For over twenty years, both Ernie and I have searched the British countryside to find the very best of British cheese. The hunt for suitable premises in which to consolidate and develop our business could not have been easier. Westpark 26 provides us with a convenient base, comprising all the space and facilities we need, with easy access to all our suppliers around the country. Summerfield has worked with us to help create the ideal set-up for our specialist and varied business needs as our business continues to thrive in Somerset.”
Following planning approval from Taunton Deane Borough Council for Block A, Summerfield aims to be on-site starting work imminently and expects practical completion of Block A in the autumn of this year.
Marketing agents at Westpark 26 are Greenslade Taylor Hunt, JLL and Alder King.
