Global aviation services provider, Network Aviation Group, is planning a move to Crawley town centre following the acquisition of a 6,595 sq ft office in the town.
The £1.5m freehold acquisition of Sterling House at 103 High Street, Crawley, was agreed by experts from Crawley-based property consultants, Vail Williams LLP.
The acquisition of the firm’s new global HQ, which was formerly home to property advisers SHW, follows significant expansion for Network Aviation which has seen the firm outgrow its 2,500 sq ft premises at Manor Royal.
With over 50 offices globally handling more than 70,000 tonnes of aviation cargo a year, Network Aviation has seen staff numbers increase from 15 to over 30, whilst revenues have gone up 30% to £200m (Dec 2018).
The new premises will see the firm go from 2,500 sq ft to over 9,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, with plans to refurbish and extend the premises to accommodate the growing business.
Andy Leslie, Group Chairman at Network Aviation Group, said: “We’re thrilled with our new acquisition which, situated in the heart of Crawley town, responds to both the needs of our clients as well as our people.
“We have some exciting plans to extend the building which will create over 9,000 sq ft of office space, including some excellent facilities such as onsite gym and provision of bike stands to encourage more staff to cycle to work – reaping both environmental as well as health and wellbeing benefits.”
Drawing on their knowledge of the local property market, Vail Williams secured the freehold acquisition in in an off-market deal with the seller’s agents, HO2 and Henry Adams.
Max Perkins, Surveyor based at Vail Williams’ office in Crawley, commented: “We’re pleased to have helped Andy and the team secure the acquisition of this fantastic new premises. We knew that a freehold opportunity like this would be scarce, so we were keen to capitalise on this as quickly as possible, working closely with the landlord’s agent to reach an off-market freehold sale.”
Once proposed refurbishment works complete the three-storey open-plan office will boast a unique floor-to-ceiling glass outlook over Crawley town centre.
There will also be a dining-entertaining space for customers and supplier visits, as well as a large car park for staff and visitors.
“The current space will be completely gutted and totally refurbished to look fresher and more modern with boundless natural light, incorporating a stimulating style and aesthetic that is in line with our business values. We’re looking forward to the next stage in this process and hope to be onsite and operational by April 2020,” concluded Mr Leslie.
Until April 2020 all enquiries and flights will be handled via the firm’s pre-existing office based out of town Manor Royal.
Vail Williams has been retained to lease or sell the firm’s existing 2,500 sq ft premises at Manor Royal.
