Lettings of premium new build units boosts Leicester’s trade counter offering

Following pre let deals negotiated by joint marketing agents Andrew + Ashwell and APB, four new tenants now occupy the recently completed trade counter units at Parker Drive Trade Park, Leicester.

North of Leicester city centre, the 3.8 acre site forms part of one of Leicester’s most popular industrial estates. Road links are excellent, close to the A6 Abbey Lane connection to Loughborough and also with easy access via Blackbird Road to the A50, A46 Western bypass and junctions 21, 21a and 22 of the M1 motorway.

Parker Drive Trade Park was redeveloped from a former redundant industrial site and has become a local hub for warehouse and trade counter users, including B&Q and Travis Perkins, operating close by.

The new units of 5,000 to 8,000 sq ft deliver high quality modern warehouse accommodation and are adjacent to the first phase 35,000 sq ft premises already occupied by Selco. All four units on the second and final phase were pre-let while being developed speculatively by client Trafalgar Global.

  • Leading trade kitchen and joinery supplier Howdens Joinery was the first to complete, with the company taking 8,000 sq ft. First launched in 1995, Howdens has more than 700 trade outlets across the UK and Europe. The new premises will further enhance customer service.
  • Award-winning Leicester-based PVCU window and door manufacturer Unique Window Systems Ltd – also with larger premises nearby – has taken 8,500 sq ft to help expand business with trade, commercial and new house build markets.
  • City Electrical Factors Ltd (CEF) has taken 5,000 sq ft; extending the company’s broad network of wholesale distribution outlets for the electrical trade. Established over 70 years ago in Coventry, CEF has 400 outlets in the UK – almost twice as many as the nearest competitor – with the latest expansion aiming to further boost service.
  • Relocating to modern bespoke premises, another leading electrical wholesaler, Rexel, completes the lineup, also taking 5,000 sq ft, in providing local electricians, contractors and industrial organisations with high quality electrical products, site supplies and project solutions.

Geoff Gibson, A+A Consultant, said the success of the final phase at Parker Drive Trade Park illustrates continued strong demand for modern, purpose-built accommodation.

“The dearth of high quality modern new-build trade premises has long been an issue in Leicester.

Parker Drive has proven to be a particularly sought after location for trade counter activity and it is heartening to know that when we do see new development, buildings are snapped up by substantial companies able and keen to expand.”