Opus Land has agreed the development of a new £2 million purpose-built, vehicle preparation and maintenance centre for West Midlands’ Ambulance Service (WMAS) at Opus Aspect, Erdington.
Planning consent has already been granted for the 17,700 sq ft hub will play an integral role in WMAS’s new ‘Make Ready’ strategy – along with a planned second facility in the south of the city. By replacing current workshops, they will provide a 24/7 operation to ensure that the city’s ambulance fleet is functioning at optimal capacity.
Located on a 1.46 site on the Chester Road, mixed-use scheme, the ‘Make Ready’ station will be leased to WMAS on a 20-year term with five yearly rent reviews.
Explains Simon Lewis, WMAS Regional Head of Estates: “With a dedicated team of Ambulance Fleet Assistants in-situ, vehicles will be cleaned, stocked and made ready both clinically and mechanically in time for crew who, are currently, responsible for much of this work. The new system will mean that they are immediately available to respond to emergency calls and problems occurring during shifts can also be quickly rectified.”
Says Gareth Williams, Opus Land Development Director: “Coming so quickly after our recent agreement to build a new car showroom for Volvo, we will be developing both schemes simultaneously. This activity will further increase the profile of Opus Aspect following the completion of the Selco unit last summer.
Backed as we are by Palmer Capital, we have developed a healthy pipeline of new projects and are keen to work with other occupiers to provide building solutions. With no need for third party equity or debt, we are uniquely placed to offer certainty and to move quickly when required.”
Joint letting agents are GVA and Jones Lang LaSalle.