Leading Yorkshire developers CDP Marshall have let the final speculative building at the successful Capitol Park Barnsley at Junction 37 of the M1.
Unit C, which comprises 15,000 sq ft of prime industrial space, will be occupied by Conrad Energy, whose headquarters are in Abingdon in Oxfordshire. Conrad, which provides risk-managed power generation in the UK power sector, has signed a 10-year lease.
The 23,900 sq ft Unit B has already been let to Yorkshire conservatory specialists SolarFrame Holdings.
Both buildings are located on a 12.63 acre site, which was granted planning permission for general industrial use, together with storage and distribution facilities. Now fully developed, it’s anticipated 500 jobs will be created at this latest phase of development at Capitol Park, following its transformation into a quality industrial and business location.
CDP Marshall has worked closely with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council and Enterprising Barnsley to bring forward the development.
Chris Marshall from CDP Marshall said: “Our decision to develop these two buildings speculatively has been vindicated by the deals with SolarFrame and Conrad Energy. Their decision to move here is a resounding endorsement of Capitol Park, Barnsley, which is already established as one of the finest mixed-use business parks in South Yorkshire.
“The site is now recognised as a first-class location for business, having a very significant impact on the local economy, contributing to a very prosperous future for Barnsley.”
“We are very grateful for the support we have received from Barnsley MBC’s Property Investment Fund. This has enabled us to build speculatively at a time when very few other Yorkshire developers are doing so,” he added.
“Our superb new premises fit in perfectly with our expansion plans. The location is ideal, at the heart of Yorkshire’s excellent motorway network, while the quality of the building and its facilities, are exactly what we need.”
Steve Conry, head of construction at Conrad Energy, commented: “The main attraction of Unit C and Capitol Park Barnsley was the good transport links to various locations across the UK. This was crucial, as we import equipment for deployment to our expanding portfolio of power generation plants in the UK.
“There will be initially two or three permanent jobs at our new facility, but this will increase as the company grows. We are a start-up company – as we develop more operational assets across the UK, the Barnsley facility will grow to provide a central stores and maintenance hub to serve all our plants across the NW, SW and SE regions of the country.
“We will make immediate use of Unit C for storage. Our first equipment is being delivered this week. We will have completed the fit out within three months so will be fully operational then,” he added.
Rebecca Schofield, partner and head of property consultancy Knight Frank’s industrial property team in Yorkshire, who is advising Marshalls, commented: “These two deals, in two quality buildings, are tremendous news for Capitol Park.
“CDP Marshall must be praised for their willingness to speculatively develop on the back of their confidence in the industrial market in Yorkshire. This confidence has led to significant inward investment for Barnsley.”
Matthew Gladstone, Barnsley Council Executive Director for Place said: “We’re delighted to welcome Conrad Energy to Barnsley and look forward to supporting their growth. This company is developing rapidly and it’s fantastic news that they have chosen Capitol Park as a location to expand their business. We welcome the new opportunities this will bring to our local jobs market and Barnsley’s economy in the future.”
Iain McPhail, partner with Knight Frank’s industrial property team in Leeds, added: “The location of Capitol Park Barnsley is key. It is already proving very popular with new occupiers including Gem Imports and the NHS, who have a blood facility on site, as well as SolarFrame and Conrad Energy.
“The deals are a resounding endorsement of the speculative units, which have been has been built to a high specification, with fitted office accommodation, complementing the quality industrial space.”
Mike Heydecke, director of Sterling Capitol, the original developers of the 36-acre Capitol Park, commented: “I am delighted that Capitol Park Barnsley is continuing to succeed and the unrivalled location proves attractive to both local, regional and national occupiers.’’
Once fully developed, more than 1,000 jobs will be created at Capitol Park, as it is transformed into a quality business park.
