In the year that the UK’s largest independent timber merchant celebrates its centenary, events have been marked with the opening of a new trade counter facility in Milton Keynes.
Arnold Laver has now put down roots at Hampton Brook’s newly constructed warehouse headquarter scheme, Velocity, on the corner of Kelvin Drive and Roebuck Way in Knowlhill. The company has agreed to lease the 22,710 sq ft (2,090 sq m) speculative facility, which offers high specification, sustainable and energy efficient accommodation featuring an 8m eaves height, two level access loading doors and fitted air-conditioned offices.
The company stared its journey in 1920 from one man and a single depot in Sheffield after World War One, to now being part of a network of 16 depots across the Country. As experts in construction materials with an annual turnover of in excess of £140 million, Arnold Laver imports, distributes and manufacturers a wide range of timber and timber-based materials including panels, decorative surfaces and joinery products.
Hampton Brook’s 48,000 sq ft (4,459 sq m) Velocity scheme was officially launched late Summer 2019 at an event attended by key agents from the region, local dignitaries and the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Cllr Sam Cook. A pre-let to the IT company broadbandbuyer.com of the first phase of the scheme – comprising some 25,400 sq ft (2,359 sq m) – sparked the speculative development of this second phase. The scheme was purchased by BMO Real Estate Partners on behalf of a segregated mandate client.
Ian Jackson, Director of Hampton Brook said: “With other competing locations in the region looking to attract inward investment, we are excited that we have been able to place another major firm in Milton Keynes. This is testament to our research-based decision to speculatively construct a unit of this size and specification to satisfy demand.”
Commenting on the new store opening, Chris Whitlock, Site Development Director for Arnold Laver, said: “We are delighted to expand into Milton Keynes. The building designed to a high specification by Hampton Brook, matched the operational and location needs for Arnold Laver. Milton Keynes is genuinely a unique City, designed and built for business growth and is considered to have a good employment base with a loyal workforce, together with its excellent road communications.”
“The depot will give us a strong foothold in the region and offer customers a large showroom area that showcases a wide range of the company’s products including softwoods, hardwoods, panels, doors, decorative materials, laminates, melamine faced chipboards and high gloss panels.”
Kirkby Diamond and Louch Shacklock acted as joint agents for Hampton Brook. Arnold Laver was advised by Chris Marsden of Dovestone Land.
