City Deal will help businesses find space

One of the major impacts of the Plymouth and South West Peninsula City Deal will be to unlock potential employment space in the city, according to the city’s newest commercial property team.

West Country commercial property specialists Bruton Knowles have just opened new offices in Lockyer Street, Plymouth with the aim of helping businesses identify their property requirements within the Devon and Cornwall area.

Glenn Kelly, who has a strong knowledge of the market in the city said: “There has been a chronic shortage of employment space and modern accommodation within the city. The City Deal offers the chance to create a vibrant marine based economy, which will have a knock-on effect for the community and local businesses.

“Bruton Knowles has opened in Plymouth for the first time in its 125 year history because of the potential, Plymouth has to offer. New employment land is essential for the economy and the City Deal promises to unlock Devonport and create a lasting legacy for the city.

“Although those involved in the deal are talking a lot about it attracting new investment it is equally important, that the City Deal allows us to capitalise on the excellent skill set we have here. The signing of the City Deal will mean that Plymouth will be able to retain and keep our graduates and workforce within the city and the region.

“The City Deal promises to create 9,500 permanent jobs, unlock some 8 acres of marine based employment land, which will be funded by some £34 million of local and national public sector investment.

“If the private sector also backs the deal with the £72 million expected – and there is every sign this will happen – then the business scene in Plymouth and the rest of the South West peninsula will be changed beyond measure with a vibrant new economy.”

Glenn Kelly is heading a team of three at the latest offices of Bruton Knowles, who have a headquarters in Gloucester and who have offices in Taunton and Bristol to serve the region. The new Plymouth office is the furthest South the specialists have operated.