A major refurbishment of a leading business and science hub in Bedfordshire is reaping rich rewards as a variety of businesses relocate to the site, bringing investment and new jobs to the region.
The extensive upgrade of facilities at the 18th century Colworth House, at Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, has led to a sharp rise in new lettings of office space and laboratories.
Leading commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond has been appointed, along with joint agents Bidwells, to market the business estate. Andrew Clarke, head of commercial agency at the company’s Bedford office, said construction giant Kier is the latest major firm to take space at Colworth House
The construction giant has agreed a three-year lease for 1,425 sq ft, where it will house a dedicated project team
Plans have also been drawn up for a new 18,000 sq ft building that could be used as office space or as a laboratory, with potential for design and build, something that is not available anywhere else in the county, said Andrew.
He added: “The refurbishment has taken six months to complete and now all the work is finished we can showcase what a truly spectacular location it is for both large and small businesses.”
“As a commercial property agency that has a reputation for providing exacting advice and support to clients, we are delighted that Colworth Park is proving to be such a popular location for businesses.
“It is a first-class building, offering modern office facilities in stunning, historic surroundings, so we are not surprised that interest in the offices that are still available has been high. We expect to announce further lettings very soon.”
In the summer alone, Colworth House welcomed six new tenants: Austin & Addison, an accountancy firm; Paragon Property Management and Lettings Ltd; family law specialists, Hunter & Uro; corporate chauffeur business CCUK MK; RCD Installations, a high-tech electrical and data installations company; and BDS Flooring Solutions Ltd.
Keith Purdie, Colworth Park’s business development manager, said: “We are extremely pleased to see the growing number of enquiries from businesses, large and small, that are looking to start up for the first time or to relocate here.
“This is a unique location that has seen considerable investment and there are further exciting development plans that will consolidate its reputation as a premium business and science hub.”
Colworth Park’s laboratories and science facilities have also been recognised in a major report on the Midlands Engine, as being a beacon for science and technology businesses. Its largest tenant Unilever was named as making a major contribution to the area’s scientific industry.
Colworth Park has an established reputation for scientific excellence. It has been home to Unilever’s R&D facility since 1947 and continues to be a supportive environment for open innovation where networking and collaboration are integral to the campus culture.
The estate, which boasts 91 acres of grounds, has a range of premium facilities, including a nursery that has been rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, a gym, café, fully equipped sports club, tennis and squash courts and a nine-hole golf course.
