November 24, 2016
A major refurbishment of a leading business and science hub in Bedfordshire is reaping rich rewards as a variety of businesses relocate to the site, bringing investment and new jobs to the region.
The extensive upgrade of facilities at the 18th century Colworth House, at Colworth Park, Sharnbrook, has led to a sharp rise in new lettings of office space and laboratories.
Commercial property consultancy Kirkby Diamond has been appointed, along with joint agents Bidwells, to market the business estate.
Andrew Clarke, head of commercial agency at the company’s Bedford office, said construction giant Kier is the latest major firm to take space at Colworth House.
The construction giant has agreed a three-year lease for 1,425 sq ft, where it will house a dedicated project team.
Plans have also been drawn up for a new 18,000 sq ft building that could be used as office space or as a laboratory, with potential for design and build, something that is not available anywhere else in the county.
Andrew added: “The refurbishment has taken six months to complete and now all the work is finished we can showcase what a truly spectacular location it is for both large and small businesses.
“As a commercial property agency that has a reputation for providing exacting advice and support to clients, we are delighted that Colworth Park is proving to be such a popular location for businesses.
“It is a first-class bundling, offering modern office facilities in stunning, historic surroundings, so we are not surprised that interest in the offices that are still available has been high. We expect to announce further lettings very soon”.
In the summer alone, Colworth House welcomed six new tenants. They are accountancy firm Austin & Addison, Paragon Property Management and Lettings Ltd, family law specialist Hunter & Uro, corporate chauffeur business CCUK MK, high-tech electrical and data installations company RCD Installations and BDS Flooring Solutions Ltd.
Colworth Park’s business development manager Keith Purdie said: “We are extremely pleased to see the growing number of enquiries from businesses, large and small, that are looking to start up for the first time or to relocate here.
“This is a unique location that has seen considerable investment and there are further exciting development plans”.
Author: Neil Pickford, Times & Citizen