UK based real estate investment and development specialist, Barwood Capital, has acquired its third site in Doncaster as part of its investment strategy focused on the growing self-storage sector.
The acquisition was made through the Barwood Regional Property Growth Fund V. Flexiss Group is acting as the operator and development partner for the strategy, which aims to re-purpose vacant buildings into modern, energy efficient self-storage assets.
The latest acquisition centres on a vacant 33,592 sq ft former Arnold Clark car showroom, on a 3.2-acre site on Wheatley Hall Road in Doncaster.
Barwood has acquired the freehold interest in this prime location and plans to repurpose the existing unit into a state-of-the-art self-storage facility. Once complete, the new store will provide in excess of 60,000 sq ft of space arranged over ground and one mezzanine floor, alongside external drive-up units.
The property is located in an established commercial location, one mile to the north-east of the city centre, occupying a prominent position on Wheatley Hall Road (A630); an arterial road running through the city. The immediate land use comprises of largely industrial accommodation, with an Aldi supermarket located a short distance to the south and retail / car dealership provision to the north-east.
The plans also target an EPC rating of A.
The purchase follows Barwood’s acquisition in January 2025 in Chester of a former Matalan retail warehouse unit, and an acquisition of the Scott Self Storage Facility in Lincoln in summer 2024.
MK2 Real Estate advised Barwood on the deal.
Nick Masters, Investment Director at Barwood Capital, said:
“We’re delighted to be working on this scheme, which represents a compelling opportunity for Barwood’s Regional Property Growth Fund V, with our partners at Flexiss. Its location on a key arterial route with significant daily vehicle movements offers exceptional visibility and accessibility in an established commercial zone.
“Importantly, the project aligns with our commitment to sustainability, repurposing an existing building to minimise embodied carbon.
“Doncaster is a major logistics hub, and this acquisition will serve an undersupplied market, helping to drive business growth in the region.
“With the updated National Planning Policy Framework increasing housing targets in Doncaster by over 100%, the facility will provide much needed storage space for individuals who may be downsizing, or in need of temporary storage solutions.”
Max Sowter, a surveyor in MK2 Real Estate’s investment team, said:
“We’re pleased to have advised Barwood Capital on this strategic acquisition, adding to its growing investment property portfolio.
“The property is in an established and highly sought after location, with excellent opportunities to reposition the site for alternative use, which was a main attraction for Barwood.”
Mike Wilson & Andy Wood, Co-Founders of Flexiss Group, said:
“We’re excited to move forward with our third site in partnership with Barwood Capital. Flexiss brings deep operational expertise and development capability to transform this highly visible site into a modern storage facility, and we look forward to future growth with this portfolio.”
