Enquiries on the up for bespoke units as business confidence grows

Ben Trickey, Divisional Director at Summerfield, on site at Westpark 26 business park in Wellington, Somerset.

Enquiries for space at Somerset business park, Westpark 26, continue to increase with interest particularly strong for bespoke industrial units, as confidence from businesses in the region grows.

Developer Summerfield, has seen a surge in demand for standalone industrial buildings at the site in Chelston, Wellington, as a number of companies plan to expand or relocate in Somerset.

Summerfield recently completed 8,800 sq ft of purpose built premises for Prolift Access, the powered access machinery and training company. Soon afterwards, the developer delivered a new 9,700 sq ft bespoke facility for specialist road-marking company WJ South West.

Ben Trickey, Divisional Director at Summerfield, commented: “Interest in developing large, detached industrial units has taken another leap forward in recent months. This is a reflection of the improving economic climate and heightened business confidence which, in turn, is encouraging more companies to take forward their expansion plans.

“Finding suitable space or sites to accommodate business growth can be a challenge. At Westpark 26 we offer a strategic location, close to Junction 26 of the M5, and the expertise to deliver on the exacting requirements of clients looking to create either an off-the-shelf design or a purpose-built property.”

Trickey added: “We are fortunate at Westpark to be able to offer buildings with oversized yard areas and can happily accommodate occupiers looking for warehouses of 10,000 sq ft to 50,000 sq ft.”

Summerfield’s bespoke building for Prolift Access consists of a statement grey and yellow exterior, highly-specified interiors and a range of energy saving features including photovoltaic panels. The building’s excellent overall energy performance led to the award of an EPC rating of A, which was a priority outcome for the client.

In addition to strong demand for large bespoke industrial units, Summerfield has also experienced keen interest in its smaller business premises, including those aimed at start-ups.

The developer has sold all 58 of the terrace units built so far at Westpark and is constructing five further units. Of these five units, one is let off plan, two are under offer and the final two remain available to buy or let. In total, 96,000 sq ft of warehousing has been developed at the 50-acre business site, with the forthcoming care home, pub, hotel and petrol station in addition to that. Westpark can still accommodate frontage or trade uses, business requirements and warehouse and distribution facilities of up to 50,000 sq ft.

Marketing agents for Westpark 26 are Greenslade Taylor Hunt, JLL and Alder King.