Landmark leads to investment

A Coventry-based property company is preparing for a landmark anniversary with an investment and marketing drive at its two major industrial developments in the city.

The Wigley Group owns and manages the Sandy Lane and Henley Park Industrial Estates in the city, as well developments in Newcastle and land bordering the A444 in Foleshill.

Now the firm, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, has put three properties on the market and hired two leading property agents – Bromwich Hardy and North Rae Sanders – to attract expanding companies to the units.

James Davies of Wigley’s, said the drive is a result of a comprehensive review of the company’s holdings ahead of its golden anniversary, and an improvement in the market.

“We have more than 400,000 sq ft of industrial property in the Coventry area and certainly the Sandy Lane and Henley Park estates are key employment sites for the city,” he said.

“They are a good barometer of the health of industry in the area and our anecdotal feedback is that our tenant companies are optimistic.

“We have therefore embarked on a comprehensive makeover for both estates. Vacant properties have been improved, common areas are being upgraded and we are replacing site signage.

“We went through a selection process to choose agents we believe that attract companies who are either new to the city or looking to expand and build their businesses here in Coventry.

“More than 300 staff are based at our developments across the city and we are confident that number will rise in the coming months.”

Sandy Lane is home to companies including Imagineer Productions – the firm behind Godiva Awakes, while Henley Industrial estate hosts more than nine companies, with many owner-managed firms.

Bromwich Hardy and North Rae Sanders have been recruited to let available property.

Tom Bromwich, of Bromwich Hardy, said: “We are taking a fresh look at both estates. They offer a really good range of property both in terms of type and size.

“Wigley’s want to maximise the potential of both developments and we will also be advising on how that can be achieved.”

The companies are marketing a 33,000 sq ft industrial/warehouse at Sandy Lane in Radford, and two industrial/warehouse properties at 4,320 sq ft and 4,537 sq ft at Henley Park.

Wigley Contracts (Barby) Ltd began life as a plant hire and earth moving company before moving into commercial property. It now offers a full range of services including strategic property advice, maintenance and insurance.