Activity in the Bristol offices sector continues to pick up with leading chartered surveyors Eddisons Commercial taking 1,427 sq ft in the Pithay in a deal brokered by joint agents Colliers International and DTZ acting on behalf of Fairacre Asset Management.

James Preece from Colliers International’s offices team said Eddisons had agreed to a part let of the second floor on a five year lease.

The eight storey Pithay building dominates the city centre offering flexible and contemporary office accommodation on one of the largest single open plan floor plates in Bristol.

James Preece said: “Our Q1 report underlined a dramatic recovery in the city centre market and this deal is further evidence of the increasing confidence in the sector.

“Once again tenants are looking to maximise flexibility on floor plates of their choosing while demanding quality refurbished accommodation.”

Formerly home to a number of Government departments including the Government Office for the South West, the COI, the Health and Safety Executive and HMRC, the Pithay boasts two reception areas both of which have been extended and refurbished to a high standard.

James Preece added: “The roof and lifts have been replaced and exterior redecorated. The on-site team provide first-rate back up for tenants to ensure the building is well run and provides after-hours access and excellent security.

“There are also a number of attractive smaller suites from around 1,300 sq ft upwards that allow The Pithay to accommodate businesses of all sizes and there is a very competitive car parking ratio of 1 space to each 900 square feet leased.”

The Pithay is situated between Cabot Circus and the Mall Galleries, Castle Park and the city Centre and close to all the local amenities and public car parking. Temple Meads railway station is just a short walk away.

Appetite for buying land among house builders, property companies and PLCs alike has increased so far this year as housing market activity remains positive, according to new analysis from CBRE Bristol.

Land values in most regions have shown slight growth over the first Q1, mirrored by tentative signs of increased activity in the housing market. According to the Council for Mortgage Lenders, gross lending has increased for the sixth consecutive month, with first time buyers now accounting for 42 per cent of mortgages.

Guy Mansfield, Head of Residential land and development at CBRE Bristol, comments: “Land buyers are seeking land with planning consent to add to their reserves, although good quality land in UK regions is of short supply. In the South West, national house builders are hungry for sites that can accommodate 50 – 200 units, but supply of land remains constrained. New entrants to the market have bolstered demand for strategic housing sites.

“We believe that Government housing initiatives will help drive underlying confidence in the market. ‘Help to Buy’ could support around 215,000 further mortgages per year. Although not all of these transactions will be linked to new-build homes, it should strengthen confidence in land buying, as purchasers will look to access an active market.”

The Bristol-based project to develop a 1,000mph car that will attempt the world land speed record in South Africa in 2015 is to move into larger premises on an industrial estate in Avonmouth after securing new accommodation through Alder King’s industrial agency team.

The Bloodhound SSC Project has taken a flexible five year lease on Unit 3 Avonbridge Trading Estate on Atlantic Way, Avonmouth. The property, four times larger than its current Harbourside workshop, provides 21,933 sq ft of open plan warehouse, production and office space and will facilitate the final assembly of the car.

The new property provides space for a more spacious workshop area with a generous eaves height to accommodate cranes, clean rooms for sub-assemblies, electrical and hydraulic work, a crew room for technicians as well as office and presentation space.

Andrew Ridler, partner at Alder King, says: “After three years, the Bloodhound Project had outgrown its current workshop next to the SS Great Britain. We have been closely involved with the Project since its early days and are delighted to have helped secure new premises for this all-important next stage of assembling the car.

“With more than 3,000 specially designed components to be delivered for the final assembly, it was important that the workshop is easily accessible for deliveries. This unit, with its large yard area, provides all the space and facilities the project will need over the next few years.”

Tony Parraman, head of sponsor liaison for the project said: “Building of the chassis has already begun but over the next few months we will be adding major components including the jet engine and tail fin which obviously require much more space. We are relocating at just the right time in the project life cycle.”

The landlord LCP was advised by the Bristol office of Savills. Robert Cleeves, industrial and logistics director of Savills, said: “The landlord is delighted that this exciting project has chosen Avonbridge Trading Estate for its home and looks forward to seeing the project develop. It is not every day that you are able to assist in a project of international importance.”

South Devon law firm Wollen Michelmore is celebrating winning a national award for its licensing work.

Corporate INTL, a national and international legal magazine, has announced that the firm has won their 2013 award for ‘Licensing Law – Law Firm of the Year in England’.

The award reflects Wollen Michelmore’s work in helping pubs, clubs, restaurants, cafés, hotels, guest houses, shops, off-licences, conference centres and sporting venues throughout the South West meet often complex licensing requirements in order to sell alcohol and provide entertainment.

Welcoming the award, Managing Partner and head of the firm’s licensing department, Chris Hart, said: “We are absolutely delighted that our licensing practice has been nominated and gone on to win this prestigious award against strong national competition including some very big players in the licensing field.

“I am particularly pleased that the quality of our service to clients has been recognised by the judges. It is also fantastic that a provincial firm based in South Devon can win a national award for a mainstream legal activity!”

Corporate INTL compiles listings publications that are read by business leaders, investors and advisers globally.

The Editor of Corporate INTL, Ryan Duff, confirmed: “Corporate INTL has been running its awards for the last five years. An award is a significant accolade for each firm listed in the publication. The inclusions themselves represent a diverse cross section of lawyers and law firms, their service offering and expertise. This year we are please to award Wollen Michelmore the 2013 Legal Award for Licensing Law- Law Firm of the Year in England, based on the firm’s service excellence in this area.”

Chris Hart added: “Licensing issues are critical to many businesses in the South West and indeed throughout the country. The winning of this national award marks the strength in depth of our licensing work across the region from each of our offices. It also recognises the commitment of our staff to provide an excellent service to our clients in achieving the best possible outcome in the most efficient and cost effective manner.”

The completion has occurred of the new 110,000 sq ft Global HQ office building for Imperial Tobacco
Group during its long standing presence in Bristol. The development on Winterstoke Road replaces the
Group’s former cigar factory.

 
Planning permission has also been granted for Phase 2, a further 56,000 sq ft which will consolidate
their total office space to 166,000 sq ft.

 
David Burston, Burston Cook, who was involved in procuring the development, comments “This
important office development, the largest seen in Bristol in recent years, by Imperial secures local
employment in South Bristol and is an important boost to the historic siting of the Group’s
Headquarters in the City. This is after careful consideration given to its location after a Europe wide
search.”

The Broadmead BID team has undertaken a comprehensive listening campaign as it shapes plans for a renewed Business Improvement District programme, with backing from Bristol Chamber of Commerce among other prominent organisations and business leaders in the city.

Questionnaires have been distributed to all retailers within the BID area, giving them the opportunity to have their say. This feedback has been reinforced by discussion groups held in Broadmead. In addition, retailers are invited to make contact with the Broadmead BID team to arrange face-to-face discussions on an individual basis.

Jo Hawkins, Broadmead BID manager explains: “We are proud of all that has been achieved by our first two BIDs. They have transformed Broadmead’s look and feel and the commercial performance of our retailers.”

John Savage, Bristol Chamber of Commerce, said: “I believe that the Broadmead BID is an exemplar of how a BID strategy can bring together a local business community to transform the fortunes of a location. It’s essential that the Broadmead BID is renewed.”

Anchored by Harvey Nichols and House of Fraser, Cabot Circus has propelled Bristol city centre into the premier league of retail destinations. The motivation of the Broadmead BIDs has been to ensure that retailers from the established part of Broadmead can benefit fully from this opportunity.

Jo Hawkins added: “The involvement of retailers in setting the priorities has been the hallmark for our BID programmes. As we now plan for our renewal BID, retailer input is again critical. This takes place throughout the life of our BIDs, with retailers playing a key role on our Business Improvement District Steering Group and our BID Marketing Group.”

The first BID brought the environment of existing Broadmead to a standard that was comparable with Cabot Circus. The current BID places the focus on marketing, cleansing and maintenance.

Property consultancy Alder King has facilitated the disposal of Unit 2 Interface Business Park in Royal Wootton Bassett. The freehold of the warehouse unit, previously leased by Del Monte Fresh Produce, has been purchased by Yate-based David Hathaway Transport for an undisclosed sum.

Del Monte previously occupied the 34,997 sq ft (3,251 sq m) property by way of a 25 year lease due to expire in 2019. Following its decision to relocate the banana ripening plant, Alder King was appointed to identify a new occupier.

Working closely with the freeholder Valad and its agents Joiner Cummings and Jones Lang LaSalle, Alder King identified David Hathaway Transport which was known to be seeking new premises close to the M4.

James Gregory, partner at Alder King’s Swindon office, commented: “This deal came about through close tri-party negotiations and we are delighted at the successful outcome. Interest was always going to be strong for such a good quality property sitting on a large plot in a prime business location.”

David Hathaway Transport, a family-owned pallet, road haulage and warehousing company, was attracted by the property’s large format floor space and the secure fenced service yard as well as its close proximity to J16 of the M4.

Alder King acted for the lessee Del Monte. Joiner Cummings and Jones Lang LaSalle represented Valad while CBRE advised David Hathaway Transport.

Commercial Property specialists at Colliers International have warned landlords, occupiers and developers against ignoring outbreaks of Japanese Knotweed on their premises.

The problem plant – described by the Environment Agency as ‘undisputedly the UK’s most aggressive, destructive and invasive plant’ – can grow an astonishing three to four metres in just ten weeks and cause untold damage to buildings, pavements, boundary walls and drains and is difficult to control through normal maintenance procedures.

Bristol based Building Consultant Nick Williams said the problem was particularly prevalent in the South West of England and Wales.

He said: “For one thing the wet spring weather will enhance the growing conditions for the plant – which is both difficult and costly to remove once it has taken hold on site.”

Japanese Knotweed was introduced into the UK by the Victorians as an ornamental plant but has taken over roadside verges, riverbanks and derelict buildings driving out natural flora and fauna.

“We know of incidences where banks have acted with extreme caution and have been unwilling to lend money to developers and prospective purchases looking to take out a mortgage/banking arrangement.”

The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors has now produced an information paper ‘Japanese Knotweed and residential property’ in an attempt to educate lenders and property professionals on outbreaks of the plant, and how these can be dealt with.

Nick Williams went on: “It is not just a problem for the residential sector as the plant can play havoc in and around commercial buildings, especially if they have been left vacant and unattended for some time.

“We have worked closely with landlords bringing in properly licensed contractors to remove it. Any habitable space within a seven metre ‘Control Zone of an outcrop is deemed high risk and Japanese Knotweed can grow that distance in a matter of months.”

As well as being difficult to eradicate, precautions must be taken to ensure the plant doesn’t spread to neighbouring properties and must be disposed of properly.

“Sending a lorry load of infested soil off the site without checking that contractors are properly licensed to dispose of it could see a developer or landlord in breach of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

“All this means typical removal costs can in a very short period escalate to several thousands of pounds to treat, either through spraying or wholesale excavation.

“With the growing season upon us landlords, occupiers and developers need to act now if they want to avoid a costly problem down the line.”

Acting on behalf of Marchmont Investment Management, property consultants Alder King have completed the letting of a 2,535 sq ft (235 sq m) office suite in @Renslade, Exeter to EDP Drug and Alcohol Services.

The organisation, which works with people across Devon who have, or are affected by, drug and alcohol problems, has taken Suites 2.11 and 2.12 on the second floor. The office will house the organisation’s Central Services team which has relocated from its previous base above Lloyds Bank in Exeter’s High Street.

Situated close to the city centre and Exeter Quayside, @Renslade is currently undergoing refurbishment throughout to provide a range of high quality office suites from 550 to 6,500 sq ft. The property also provides meeting facilities, a cafe and ample car and cycle parking provision and enjoys good access to the motorway network, the A30 and A38 trunk roads and rail links.

Lee Southan of Alder King’s Exeter agency team comments: “This is the second letting we’ve achieved at @Renslade in recent weeks, confirming the property’s increased appeal following its refurbishment. The remaining suites are to let on flexible terms with incentives available.”

Other occupiers at Renslade House include Rushbrooke Architecture & Planning, Jacobs, Natural England, Artavia Advertising, Identity & Passport Service, Pearson and Reed Social Care.

Real Estate lawyers at premier regional law firm Foot Anstey have advised Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium on a lease to celebrity chef Mitch Tonks, who will be opening a RockFish restaurant on the site.

Award-winning food writer, restaurateur and chef Mitch Tonks will be opening a 200-seater RockFish restaurant next door to the Aquarium, and in close proximity to Foot Anstey’s own flagship office located on the Plymouth waterfront.

Partner James Heath advised on the lease for the 4,600sq feet venue.

James commented, “This restaurant is another exciting addition to our busy waterfront, it is great to be involved with this project.”

Dr David Gibson said, “It was a pleasure to work with Foot Anstey and to get their advice on this transaction. We are very lucky to have a national quality law firm as neighbours and to be able to work with them to bring this hugely important project to Sutton Harbour. I am convinced that Mitch’s restaurant will prove to be a very positive development for the city.”

Foot Anstey’s prolific Real Estate team works both regionally and nationally and have a breadth and depth of experience working on high-value, complex transactions including City work as well as large regional and local projects. The firm was recently appointed to provide specialist advice to Sutton Harbour Holdings Plc on its ambitious masterplan to transform Sutton Harbour in Plymouth into a national destination.