PATRIZIA UK, the manager of Warrington’s leading business destination, Birchwood Park, has announced that more than 70,000 sq ft of office space has been let across Birchwood Park in the first half of 2017. The figures mark a 45 per cent increase on the total office lettings for the same period in 2016.
20 new companies have been welcomed to the park, including the high profile letting of 305 Bridgewater Place to global technology giant Ricoh. This deal added to the strong roster of international businesses that have joined the park in the last 12 months, including Werfen, Müller and FOSS.
Nationally recognised as a hub for the nuclear services sector, the park has continued to attract leading nuclear organisations, boosted by the launch of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone in 2016. Cavendish Nuclear is the latest occupier to join under Enterprise Zone status, securing the entire 47,149 sq ft space at recently refurbished 106 Dalton Avenue.
Martin O’Rourke, commercial director at Birchwood Park, commented: “2016 was an extremely successful year for Birchwood Park which saw us let nearly 115,000 sq ft of space, and I am pleased to say this has continued into 2017.
“Despite market uncertainties we have continued to see a high level of demand from businesses looking to set up a new base in the North West, ranging from start-ups and SMEs, to global corporates. What has been particularly interesting since June 2016 has been the interest from international companies looking to locate onto Birchwood Park.”
The park now has a total occupancy rate of 94 per cent with an impressive £1.6m rent secured in the first half of the year.
Martin continued: “With strong interest for our remaining spaces we’re confident we can build on this success in the remainder of the year. Birchwood Park offers a unique proposition for occupiers with its distinct community environment and flexible approach to leasing, and this continues to prove a real draw for businesses.
“With 700,000 sq ft of development land with outline planning consent on the park, there is also huge potential here for businesses looking for bespoke office or warehouse space.”