The first unit on a brand new trading estate in Walsall is almost ready for its first occupiers after a deal was struck.
Lighting manufacturers FW Thorpe are set to move into a 15,000 sq ft unit constructed at Reedswood Park after a pre-sale was completed thanks to joint agents Fisher German and Lambert Smith Hampton.
The 10-acre site just off Reedswood Way, close to junction 10 of the M6, allows occupiers to ask for a bespoke unit to suit their requirements.
The site is one mile away from Walsall town centre, and is directly adjacent to Reedswood Retail Park, which features a Sainsbury’s, McDonald’s and a family pub.
Joint developers Antringham and Brackley Property Developments can construct units of up to 120,000 sq ft on the site.
David Taylor, executive director of FW Thorpe, will move its subsidiary Portland Lighting just a few miles from its current premises in Regal Drive to Reedswood Park after acquiring the company in 2011.
He said: “Our lease on Portland Lighting’s current premises runs out in November, so we’ve been looking for new premises since the turn of the year.
“We liked the idea of having a purpose-built unit that we could fit out ourselves – we’ve done similar things with other companies we’ve bought in the Netherlands and Spain.
“Reedswood Park was an excellent fit for us. It’s a stone’s throw from Portland’s current premises, so it allows us to expand without moving away from Walsall.”
Mike Price, partner at Fisher German said: “Reedswood Park presents a unique opportunity for companies who are looking for something very specific.
“Occupiers can ask for units completely tailored to their requirements on either a freehold or leasehold basis.
“And its excellent transport links, being just off the M6, mean major cities like Birmingham, London and Manchester are easily accessible.
“We’re delighted FW Thorpe has seen the potential of this site – their unit is almost ready and we can’t wait for them to move in.”
Matthew Tilt of Lambert Smith Hampton added: “We’re so pleased that FW Thorpe will be the first occupier on site having chosen to purchase a unit at Reedswood Park.
“There are a lot of options at Reedswood Park – occupiers can choose the specification of their unit and whether they want to purchase or lease – so we expect interest to be high.”
Outline planning permission for business, general industrial and storage and distribution units to be built on the site was granted in November 2018 by Walsall Council.
And Tim Blairs of Antringham highlighted how quickly businesses could move in once their requirements were agreed.
He said: “Even though the buildings are designed individually according to the occupier’s needs, we are able to deliver units within 12 months.
“We’d encourage any business looking for new premises to get in touch – we’re ready when they are.”
Construction on site has also included enabling work to the rest of the park including the main estate road allowing further prompt development of the remaining plots.
Stephen Pedrick-Moyle of Brackley Property Developments added: “The site’s prime location next to an already established retail park makes it an attractive prospect for buyers.
“It’s great that FW Thorpe will be the first company to move in – their unit is very close to being built now.
“We also have planning consent for a 35,000 sq ft industrial warehouse at the entrance. We are encouraged by the number of occupier discussions ongoing for this building as well as buildings on the remaining plots.”