Hitchcocks Business Park in Willand, Devon, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of its high quality, modern business accommodation and facilities.
The RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) Awards recognise the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure in the South West region and their impact on local communities. Hitchcocks Business Park has been shortlisted in the commercial category.
The 25 acre business park is situated just off junction 27 of the M5 making it ideally suited for distribution businesses. The facility is on the market with international property consultants JLL who are also advising on future plans for the site.
One of three business parks in the South West owned by the same local landowner and developer, the facility has seen a highly successful year, letting more than 70,000 sq ft of warehouse accommodation which has provided valuable job opportunities for Mid Devon.
Hitchcocks Business Park is the only speculative development offering industrial space in the region and has already seen forward-thinking businesses join the park. This year, Dragonfly Foods, Europe’s largest tofu manufacturer, recently relocated from Buckfastleigh, investing £4.5 million in the state-of-the-art 24,000 sq ft facility. Furniture retailer DFS has established a regional distribution centre to support its South West stores and premium food and ingredient supplier Forest Produce is now successfully operating from a bespoke unit on the site.
Owner Richard Persey of Maria Estates said:
“I am honored that Hitchcocks Business Park has been shortlisted for RICS’ commercial category award. My vision has always been to create a pleasant environment that is appealing to everyone who works from and visits the business park. At Hitchcocks we co-develop bespoke accommodation with the tenants to ensure they are fit for purpose and tailored to their specific requirements.”
Tim Western, lead director at JLL in Exeter, added:
“Richard’s move to build a state-of-the-art business park strategically located in Devon has been a real success. It is certainly recognised within the region for its high quality accommodation and setting and for creating new jobs in the area, so it’s great to see that recognition spread further by being shortlisted for such a prestigious award.”
The winner of the award will be announced at a gala dinner at Bristol’s Ashton Gate stadium on 17 May 2018.
