Property company is part of the fabric of industrial deal

Three divisions of property consultancy Gent Visick have combined to sell, refurbish and let a 65,000 sq. ft industrial unit off Russell Way in Brighouse, close to Junction 25 of the M62, to Mobus Fabrics, a leading manufacturer of high quality upholstery fabrics.

Gent Visick’s corporate team originally marketed the site jointly with Howell Brooks, for previous owner,IMI Plc and Harworth Group Plc acquired it in October 2019 for £3.6 million.

Gent Visick’s building consultancy team then delivered the two-month refurbishment programme, which included renovating the office accommodation, numerous energy efficiency works, roof repairs and the installation of a gas heating system in the warehouse. Gent Visick’s agency team acted for Harworth, letting the substantial industrial unit to Mobus Fabrics.

The 10-year lease agreed sees Mobus Fabrics committed to a rent of £5.23 per square foot and will be the new HQ of Mobus Fabrics. Harworth worked with Calderdale Council to extend the site’s permitted use and to agree a noise management plan in order to support Mobus’ operation.

Naomi Fenwick-Goldthorpe, head of business space at Harworth Group, said: “This deal showcases the best of Harworth: properly asset managing a previously unloved asset in a short amount of time, providing a good home to a growing manufacturer whilst generating strong recurring income back to the business. We remain keen to make further similar income-producing property purchases in 2020.”

Daniel Walker, Surveyor at Gent Visick, said: “This project highlights the true extent of our services. Having been involved in the initial sale, then the refurbishment and letting of the unit we have taken great pride in playing a part in the rejuvenation of this site every step of the way.

“It also continues to reinforce the level of tenant and investor appetite that currently exists for well-connected industrial units on the M62 corridor, regardless of whether or not they need bringing up to standard.”

Jason Metcalfe of Metcalfe Commercial acted for Mobus Fabrics.