News
31/03/2008 - 56-bed town centre hotel gets go-ahead
Margaret Bushnell, Retail Director at Carigiet Cowen acted for the developer, Lake Districts Estates Ltd
31/03/2008 - Compass House offices in good hands
The best specification office in the city of Carlisle
01/02/2008 - 55 ROOM HOTEL PLAN REVEALED AT FORMER CRAGHILL MOTOR SITE IN KENDAL
Directors of Lake District Estates Ltd, which bought the prime town centre lot from the Craghill family just over a year ago, have formerly applied for planning permission for the hospitality complex, which will be leased to Whitbread Premier Inn, creating up to 65 jobs.
Margaret Bushnell, Director acted for the client in the sale of the above site.
03/01/2008 - RATE PAYERS PREPARE FOR THE HIT ON EMPTY PROPERTY
Legislation has now been introduced implementing changes to the empty property rates relief regime for commercial and industrial property. The Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007 received Royal Consent on 19 July 2007, and brings in new reforms to take effect from 1 April 2008.
The key provisions which relate to England and Wales are as follows:-
1. Business rates will be charged without discount on unoccupied property after an initial 6 months rates free period for industrial property and 3 months for other commercial property.
2. Empty properties owned by charities, community amateur sports clubs and properties that are listed or enjoy statutory protection will receive full business rates exemption.
3. A permanent exemption from empty property rates will be introduced for companies in administration consistent with the treatment of companies in liquidation.
4. The Government has agreed not to implement any “anti avoidance measures” from 1 April 2008 but to review the position at a later date to determine whether, in practice, there is any evidence that anti avoidance activity is taking place. The review is likely to be after an initial 12 months period.
5. The Government has endorsed the retention of the existing 6 weeks qualification period relating to buildings which have been vacant, are occupied for a short period of time, and are then vacated again.
6. The start of any 3 or 6 months rates free period under the new regulations will be the date on which the property becomes vacant eg if an industrial property became vacant on 1 October 2007, the ratepayer will be due to pay a full occupied rates charge with effect from 1 April 2008.
‘These changes will have a significant impact on the development process and speculative build programmes as well as affecting the strategy for lettings and disposals of commercial property’ says Iain Henderson of Carigiet Cowen Chartered Surveyors. ‘It is important that any business with vacant commercial or industrial property carefully considers their tactics in the months leading up to 1 April to ensure their ongoing rating liability is kept to a minimum’. For further advice, Iain Henderson can be contacted on 01228 635005.
23/11/2007 - LOCAL ECONOMIC OUTLOOK GOOD
In the final few weeks of 2007 there is much speculation of a downturn in the property market. Concerns of inflationary pressures have led the Bank of England, for some time, to follow a sustained policy of increasing interest rates causing difficulties to many with high levels of debt. The trials and tribulations of the Northern Rock, triggered by problems in elements of the American residential mortgage market, is the best publicised demonstration of current financial uncertainty.
Clearly, world and national economic factors are of importance to everybody however, at the local level prevailing trends can be very different to the picture painted by the national headlines.
Elements of the office market have been particularly strong.
At 25,000 sq ft, one of Carlisle's largest office buildings, the Parkhouse G25, has been sold by Gladman Developments to a regional investment company. Carigiet Cowen, agents for Gladman, has been retained by the new owners to let the building. Already a number of new inquiries have come forward and the prospects for occupation early in the New Year appear good.
Carigiet Cowen has also successfully achieved sales on two of the smaller Parkhouse units. The G2's (2,000 sq ft) were originally sold by Gladman some 18 months ago. Re-sale by the original purchaser, as a consequence of property rationalisation, enabled both units to be released back to the market. Both were quickly snapped up by owner occupiers at prices well above the "at new" sale prices.
One or two opportunities for the purchaser remain at Parkhouse. Gladman have recently released five of their Business Quarter units for either sale or let. Full details are available from Christopher Smith.
In Penrith, the last phase of Errigal Developments' office scheme at Penrith 40 is now completed. Of the ten high quality, self contained units, only 2 remain. All others are either sold or have had offers accepted. The high quality, modern and conveniently located space proved extremely popular both with owner occupiers and investors.
Developer confidence remains high. Elsewhere in Penrith, Carigiet Cowen is appointed by Russell Armer on their new Eden Business Park Development. This will provide approximately 24,000 sq ft of new industrial space, together with 6,000 sq ft of new office accommodation. Work on the scheme is due to commence in the New Year and inquiries are already coming forward.
The housing market, most people's barometer of the health of the property market certainly appears to have weakened. This in many ways can be seen as a positive with the market settling to a level more sustainable than has been experienced for a number of years. Any slowdown is not impacting on developer demand. This remains strong. In the medium to longer term, the statistical trend is for increased population, in England 49.1m in 1996 to 52.5m in 2021, and household numbers increasing from 21m in 2001 to 24m in 2021 (source Housing Corporation Study). This trend, and the expectation that interest rates may start to fall early in the New Year, will hopefully ensure that any softening in the market does not become more severe.
The doom and gloom headlines also do not reflect important local factors that will have a direct influence on the market. The new University of Cumbria anticipates increasing student numbers by some 5,000-10,000 at its various Cumbrian campuses. The anticipated boost for the local economy has been estimated at some £200m in the course of the next 10 years.
The proposed new £50m development of a new cheese factory, due to start in Carlisle next summer should provide a number of skilled new jobs.
Despite the headlines, Cumbria traditionally, in my experience, is less affected by market peaks and troughs experienced by larger centres. 2008 may bring with it new challenges both to the local economy and the commercial property market. It is important to remember that not all the news is bad.
Published in Cumberland News
23 November 2007
01/11/2007 - NEW INSTRUCTION FROM EDDIE STOBART GROUP
The Eddie Stobart Group have instructed Carigiet Cowen to market in excess of 50,000 sqft of surplus high bay Warehouse and ancillary space within their Distribution Complex at Lillyhall, Workington.
The space has a clear eaves height of 7.7m ( 25’3” ), has been recently re-roofed, is heated throughout and benefits from good parking and circulation areas adjacent to the property. In addition there are extensive areas which can be made available immediately to the north of the property by way of a separate negotiation.
The entire property is available on flexible lease terms at a rent of £90,000pa exclusive. Consideration may be given to short term lets or letting of part only of the space.
For further details or to arrange a viewing contact Richard Percival on 01228 635006 or email rpercival@carigietcowen.co.uk.
26/10/2007 - SPACE AT KINGMOOR PARK FILLING UP FAST
A flurry of letting activity at Kingmoor Park has seen the remaining space with Unit F Kingmoor Park South being taken up by incoming tenants.
Joint Venture training company Gen II have expanded their training provision into Carlisle by taking some 11,250 sq ft of space which is currently being fully equipped to deliver training for both adults and apprentices.
Susan Kaveney the GEN II Carlisle Skills Centre Business Manager explains "GEN II are well established in the west of the county and have an excellent reputation for quality and service. Because of this we have been approached by many employers in the Carlisle area asking us to deliver both apprentice and adult training programmes. Last year our board approved our expansion plans and we were officially given the go-ahead to deliver adult and apprentice courses in Carlisle.
We are delighted with the response we have had from the Carlisle Business Community and look forward to working with them in the future."
A further unit of 3750 sq ft has also been taken by Dunlop Goodyear to relocate their commercial tyre storage and mobile tyre fitting facility from Durranhilll. Attracted by ease of access and the quality of space offered at Kingmoor Park, Dunlop join an increasing list of nationally and internationally recognisable companies who have had Kingmoor Park their base in Carlisle.
The last remaining space within this block of property has been taken by an expanding local engineering business.
Elsewhere on Kingmoor Park, Unit F Kingmoor Park North, which offers a range of refurbished units of 3,087 sq ft has also been experiencing strong levels of occupier interest with Kingmoor’s solicitors Baines Wilson currently working on new leases to four separate new tenants.
Richard Percival of joint letting agents Carigiet Cowen, is delighted that F South is fully let and 50% of the space within F North is now under offer. He says ‘ both of these facilities have been refurbished to a high standard and the current high level of take up demonstrates that occupiers recognise the quality of what is on offer, both in terms of the units themselves and Kingmoor Park as a location. There are 5 units which remain available in F North and with the interest we have to date we very much hope to be announcing the arrival of further tenants in the near future ‘.
Further details on these or other opportunities at Kingmoor Park can be obtained by contacting Richard Percival on 01228 544733 or from the other joint agents Hyde Harrington and Peill & Co
Published in Cumberland News
26/10/2007 - NEW LETTINGS AT CARLYLE’S COURT
Carigiet Cowen, who took over the marketing of Carlyle’s Court in the summer, has secured four new lettings, to the delight of agency Director Margaret Bushnell.
Carlyle's Court is an attractive mixed retail and office courtyard development in the historic part of the city, close to the Cathedral and Castle. The scheme is sympathetically finished to provide an attractive shopping environment with quality upper floor office accommodation within the city’s conservation area.
The scheme backs on to Hoopers Department Store which has recently undergone extensive improvement and refurbishment following acquisition from a local family business.
Quentin Thompson, Asset Manager of R O Group, who owns the scheme says “Since Carigiet Cowen’s appointment in the summer, the true potential for Carlyle's Court is starting to shine through once more. As landlords, we are currently striving to improve the trading position of our valued tenants, and to ensure that the scheme continues to attract an interesting mix of quality occupiers. We are pleased to announce two shop units are already under offer, with temporary occupations for Christmas trading having been arranged on two further units. We are confident we will shortly announce other new lettings to complement those already established within the scheme".
Margaret Bushnell advises that there has been strong interest in both the shop and office accommodation since marketing commenced. The scheme has recently been redecorated and new signage and tenant’s boards, in keeping with the style of the development, have been commissioned. There are currently a range of small shop units, open plan and secular office accommodation available and full details can be obtained from Carigiet Cowen’s website, www.carigietcowen.co.uk or from Margaret Bushnell, e-mail: mbushnell@carigietcowen.co.uk.
Published in Cumberland News
19/09/2007 - LOCAL BUSINESS FOR SALE
‘TUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE’, WEST TOWER ST, CARLISLE
Carigiet Cowen Surveyors have recently been instructed to sell the well established business ‘Tumble in the Jungle’, located at the junction of the slip road from Castle Way leading on to West Tower Street. The popular children’s play centre is fully fitted out to a high specification and the sale includes fixtures and fittings. The current owner, Val Reynolds said ‘we established the business in January 2004 to meet a gap in the market and our customer base has steadily increased. Whilst we enjoy providing this service for parents and children, we feel our work here is done and we are looking for a new challenge’.
The property comprises split level accommodation, with reception area and children’s play areas to the ground and lower levels and a café to the first floor. The main play area comprises a separate party/play room, soft play area, play assault course and children’s changing/toilet facilities. The property benefits from disabled access to the lower and ground floor and car parking facilities for approx 6 vehicles at the rear. The Café on the first floor has seating for approximately 40 plus covers.
The property is adjacent to the main city centre bus stop and Peter Street public car park and within close proximity to the Lanes Shopping Centre, Debenhams, Market Hall, Civic Centre and the main retail area of Carlisle. Its unique layout and city centre location make this a popular stop for parents and children. There are opportunities to enhance the services currently being offered perhaps in relation to the Café or by incorporating other complimentary users such as more formal child care provision or even a Beauty Salon, Hair dressers or Nail Bar to offer busy parents an all round service.
For further details please contact Carigiet Cowen on Tel: (01228) 544733.
Published in Cumberland News
19/09/2007 - THE ROYAL, BOWNESS
Diamond Bookmakers are the latest tenant to sign up for a unit in this highly successful retail development in the centre of this popular Lake District town. Diamond join Tesco Express, Costa Coffee HouseShop and Julian Graves in the line up.
Only 2 units now remain available. For full details please see our property listing
05/09/2007 - GARDEN CENTRE SITE SOLD BY CARIGIET COWEN
The site of a popular garden centre and cafe on the outskirts of Carlisle – which closed down after 33 years – is in the process of being sold.
Eleven people lost their jobs with the demise of the Border Garden Centre at Harker, north of the city. The site, which stands alongside the A7, is in the process of being sold with contracts expected to be exchanged shortly. Charles Dunn, managing director of the business, said the opening of the Houghton Hall Garden Centre nearby was partly responsible for the closure. He said: “We had two or three hard years and the place was in need of an upgrade. The opening of Houghton Hall also had an affect. “In the end the land was more valuable than the business but in my heart of hearts I’m very sad. “We had a very loyal customer base – some people have been coming ever since we opened in March 1974. “But we wanted to be a garden centre and not a gift shop and the business has become very internet-orientated these days. “People are also very price-conscious. “It also happens that I am of retirement age and have other things that I want to do.” Mr Dunn said he wanted to pay tribute to all the staff who had worked there over the years, particularly John Slater who started when the business opened. He said most had found other jobs. The Border Garden Centre ceased trading just a couple of days after the adjoining Bay Tree Cafe closed its doors. They are part of the same business.
The £5m Houghton Hall Garden Centre, which covers 20 acres, opened at Easter 2006. It claimed 40,000 visitors in the first fortnight.
Carigiet Cowen acted in the sale of the Border Garden Centre for the owners.
Published in News & Star by Dave Gudgeon
04/09/2007 - FIRM LEAD ASTRAY!
The first phase of a £4.5million development housing the Cumberland Pencil Company got underway in Workington yesterday.
MP Tony Cunningham planted a tree and buried a time capsule to mark the first stages of the development on the Lillyhall Business Park near Workington, the new home of the factory, which has been based in Keswick for 175 years. The company admits it is sad to be leaving its historic home in the Lake District, where pencil making started as a traditional cottage industry. But it was that or lose the business overseas, possibly to China or Eastern Europe where production costs could be more competitive. Ironically the firm, which ships its products to 80 countries around the world, only recently announced its highest ever monthly invoice values – over £1 million according to general manager David Sharrock. Mr Sharrock revealed the move to Lillyhall was the outcome of 10 years of negotiation and planning. “It is a relief to be here,” he said, viewing the large steel shell of the new factory. Mr Sharrock said the move had kept 500 years of Cumbrian heritage alive and allowed the firm to continue making history in Cumbria. “We are sad to be leaving Keswick. We tried hard to stay there, but need to secure the future of the business in Cumbria,” he said.
The new 45,000 sqft factory is already well on schedule to open next March and, at a cost of £4.5 million to build and fit out. For 75 per cent of the present staff, it will mean the chance to work closer to their homes in the west of the county. Only around a dozen workers currently live in Keswick.
Dog Holden, the chief executive of the West Cumbria Development Agency, said it had been important to ensure the move from Keswick did not result in the firm leaving Cumbria and the UK. A number of manufacturing firms have gone overseas and Mr Holden said it had been a “large and complex” project to sell the existing site in Keswick to a local businessman and deal with restructuring within the company. He praised the role of the North West Rural Development Agency, who own the land where the new factory stands, and who came to the rescue when the project seemed to be faltering.
The current Keswick site will continue to house the popular pencil museum as part of any future redevelopment.
Among the items buried in a time capsule close to the new factory site were a 2007 price list, a booklet about the history of pencil making, a photograph of the staff and a copy of The Cumberland News.
Published in News and Star
By Ross Brewster
01/09/2007 - PROPOSED CHANGES TO EMPTY RATES RELIEF ON NON DOMESTIC PROPERTIES – SEPTEMBER 2007 UPDATE
Primary legislation has now been introduced implementing changes to the empty property rates relief regime. The Rating (Empty Properties) Act 2007 received Royal Consent on 19 July 2007.
The key provisions which relate to England and Wales are as follows:
1. Business rates will be charged without discount on unoccupied property after an initial 6 months for industrial property and 3 months for other commercial property.
2. Empty properties owned by charities and community amateur sports clubs will receive full business rates exemption
3. The reforms are to be brought into force with effect from 1 April 2008, subject to Parliamentary approval
A Consultation Paper was issued by the Department of Communities & Local Government in July entitled “Modernising Empty Property Relief ” seeking views on detailed aspects of the reforms. Three of the areas to be considered in detail are as follows:
a) Exemptions from the reformed empty property rate
The Government is reviewing whether empty listed and other protected buildings should continue to be exempt from rates and whether the current insolvency exemptions should be extended to apply to companies in administration.
b) Tackling rates avoidance
The Government proposes to set out regulations to deal with circumstances whereby property owners seek to cause a building’s physical condition to deteriorate to the point where it is judged incapable of economic repair and is removed from the rating list. The government’s intention is that the anti-avoidance measures should not apply if the property is damaged as a result of circumstances beyond the owner’s control or in the course of permitted development work.
c) Intermittent occupation
The Government wants to ensure that an empty property must be reoccupied for a reasonable period of time before the owner can qualify for the initial 3 or 6 months exemption when it next becomes empty.
The deadline for responses to the Consultation Paper is 1 October 2007.
17/08/2007 - £1.25M SCHEME AT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS
A NEW £1.25m scheme aimed at bringing blue-chip firms and hundreds of jobs to Brampton is open for business.
Centurian Court industrial estate, next to the Townfoot business site, is expected to attract high-growth firms from outside the area and stimulate economic growth in the town.
Spencer Holdings, a St Helens-based commercial property firm, has created five light industrial/business units with over 30,000sq ft of space on the former Magnet site. Chris Hughes, director of Spencer Holdings, said: “It’s an exciting project for Brampton. “We hope it will provide a real shot in the arm for local business and stimulate the local economy by attracting new companies and jobs to the area. “Without the redevelopment this would have been just another run-down, derelict site. “The local business market is not too lively at the moment and hopefully the development can act as a catalyst for a bright future for Brampton,” added Mr Hughes.
A number of firms have already shown an interest in the site and Spencer Holdings will now step up a marketing campaign to attract others, Mr Hughes said. He added: “Brampton offers an excellent location for business users with easy access to the M6 and hence national road networks. “Our existing parks in the area, such as Townfoot, have been in high demand and we believe that Centurian Court will follow in this success.”
The new site – which will more than double the floorspace of the existing Townfoot estate – is a combination of refurbished and newly-built properties.
For further information, contact letting agent Richard Percival at Carigiet Cowen on 01228 544733 or Spencer Commercial direct on 01744 887980.
Meanwhile, plans for a £700,000 household rubbish tip and recycling centre at Townfoot industrial estate will not be affected by the development. Cumbria County Council’s cabinet agreed in March to buy land from Stalkers Transport for the dump and the council’s Carlisle local committee approved the scheme in June. Planning permission and a waste management licence is now being sought. The facility will mean Brampton residents no longer have to travel to Bousteads Grassing in Carlisle.
Published in Cumberland News
by Matthew Clegg
15/08/2007 - A NEW CHAPTER AT CARIGIET COWEN
Commercial Property Consultants Carigiet Cowen were set up in 1990, and since then, the practice has seen a great deal of changes to the commercial property market on a local, regional, national and global basis. Today the firm operates from offices in Carlisle covering the whole of Cumbria, North Lancashire and South West Scotland as well as servicing clients on a national basis.
John Milton recently retired from Carigiet Cowen having been in practice in Cumbria for some 30 years. He joined forces with Carigiet Cowen in 2000. Based in Kendal, John built up a substantial client base, particularly in the South Cumbria and North Lancashire area. John’s professionalism, commercial awareness, an appetite for a deal, and his keen sense of humour earned him a huge amount of respect amongst the property and wider business community. His colleagues and business associates wish him well in his retirement.
John’s retirement coincides with the promotion of Iain Henderson to full director. Iain joined Carigiet Cowen in July 2005 having previously spent 12 years in the Asset Management and Professional Services Departments of CB Richard Ellis in Leeds, where he was latterly Head of the Asset Management Department.
Iain has built up the property management side of the business over the last 2 years, and is now responsible for managing a range of retail, office and industrial properties in Carlisle, Kendal and Windermere. Iain also advises clients on business rates matters and has had notable rating appeal successes for Eddie Stobart, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Carrs Milling Industries, Thomas Armstrong, Lloyd Motors, and Westmorland.
Director Margaret Bushnell, a founding member of the practice, has a wealth of experience across a range of commercial property disciplines, particularly in the retail and development sectors. She acts on behalf of a range of national multiple retailers, regional and local businesses, and property companies. Margaret has been involved most recently with the proposed relocation of the Cumberland Pencil Factory from Keswick to a new purpose built plant near Workington, the development of the London Road Retail Park and the sale of the Bulloughs Department store to Hoopers in Carlisle, and the development of the Royal Hotel mixed use scheme in Bowness on Windermere. She is currently involved with two new mixed use schemes in the centre of Kendal.
The office agency side of the business is handled by Director Chris Smith who is also primarily responsible for valuation work within the practice. Chris has been heavily involved with the Parkhouse office development in Carlisle acting for Gladman Developments, and also the Penrith 40 Business Park in Penrith. He provides all the main high street banks with valuations for secured lending purposes.
Director Richard Percival’s main responsibility within Carigiet Cowen is on business space and industrial agency and development. His ongoing clients include Kingmoor Park Properties, who own the 400 acre business estate to the north of Carlisle, M Sport, who own the Dovenby Hall Estate near Cockermouth, Carrs Milling Industries and Priority Sites. Richard and Chris have both been involved in a range of consultancy studies providing property related advice to largely local authority and public sector clients in all six local authority districts across Cumbria including the Lake District National Park.
Rent reviews and lease renewals and valuations remain a core discipline for the practice, and Carigiet Cowen prides itself on its Landlord & Tenant expertise, on the application of detailed local market knowledge, and the high standards set by the RICS.
For further information, please contact Carigiet Cowen on 01228 544733 or check the website at www.carigietcowen.co.uk.
Published in Cumberland News
03/08/2007 - 11 STATION STREET, KESWICK
Well established regional pharmacist JN Murray and Son are continuing to expand by acquiring this retail unit, adjacent to their own, in this popular Lake District town from vendor Malcolm Craghill of Temple Sports. Malcolm’s family run company continues to strengthen, and showing confidence in the business have acquired larger retail premises in the town on Tithebarn St, opposite Booths Supermarket which is reported to be trading very well since opening a few weeks ago
03/08/2007 - SPANISH TAPAS BAR AND NEW COFFEE SHOP FOR POPULAR CITY CENTRE SHOPPING DEVELOPMENT
Staff at Carigiet Cowen are eagerly awaiting the opening premises they have just let in Earls Lane shopping scheme to Mr Schweighart Moya as a Spanish Tapas Bar.
Mr Moya has extensive catering experience and is confident his Mediterranean style restaurant will be well received by Carlisle’s discerning diners.
In addition the former Nellies Tea Room has been taken by a young enthusiastic couple and is to be rebranded and reopened trading as Fourstones
03/08/2007 - PRELIMINARY NOTICE
Carigiet Cowen have just received instructions to market the former Music Zone unit in Scotch Street following the company going into receivership late last month.
Full details are currently being prepared, but the unit is somewhat unusual in the city centre in having good open plan first floor sales in addition to the standard ground floor area. Margaret Bushnell is hoping the unit will be well received by a number of national retailers still seeking representation in Carlisle City Centre
11/05/2007 - DOVENBY HALL ESTATE, NEAR COCKERMOUTH
Carigiet Cowen are solely instructed by M Sport Limited to market current and future opportunities at their 115 acre facility at Dovenby Hall near Cockermouth.
At present, a large part of the estate is occupied by M Sport Limited, whose facilities include the original Grade II Listed Dovenby Hall, together with a state of the art production facility – home of the Ford World Rally Team. Other occupiers on site include Willis Ltd, a global finance company, CH Jeffries (Pensions & Financial Planning) Ltd, Babcock Group and Wind Prospect Ltd
Richard Percival of Carigiet Cowen says “We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious instruction to market what really is a first class facility in a magnificent location. Our aim is simple, to create a strong identity for the Dovenby Hall Estate brand and create further demand for occupation across the site”.
At present, a range of opportunities exist. Work is close to completion on the refurbishment of Pattinson House which will provide 6,200 sqft of high quality ground floor office space. A further 7500 sq ft is available in Hodgson Houses, which is yet to be refurbished. In all cases, units can be tailored to meet occupiers’ individual requirements and can be readily sub-divided.
Elsewhere on the estate, planning consents exist for the construction of a 28 bedroom hotel providing huge potential to cater for functions and corporate events as well as providing accommodation. Planning consent also exists for a 53,000 sq ft multi-purpose unit, which could accommodate a range of business uses subject to the necessary consents.
Mr Percival believes that the full potential of Dovenby Hall Estate has yet to be appreciated by the local and regional business community. He says “Until recently, the site has been perceived solely as the home of M Sport and the Ford World Rally Team. But with the occupiers we now have on site and the impending arrival of NRL Ltd, a nationwide recruitment provider who have taken a long lease of the recently refurbished former Theatre building which extends to circa 5,000 sqft, this myth has now been broken. We aim to continue this momentum to create a significant employment site from what is already a prestigious high quality development”.
Other benefits to occupiers looking to relocate to Dovenby Hall Estate include comprehensive 24 hour estate security, including a manned entry/exit point and CCTV coverage, on site restaurant facilities and access to numerous woodland walks which criss-cross the estate.
Further information can be provided by contacting Richard Percival at Carigiet Cowen on 01228 544733.
PATTINSON HOUSE, DOVENBY HALL ESTATE
Refurbishment work is nearing completion on this 6200 sqft (576 sqm) two storey office building which is the latest phase of office space to be release at Dovenby Hall Estate. The space has been finished to a high standard and will allow potential occupiers the flexibility of being able to lease the whole building, a floor of the building or a smaller suite.
The work has been undertaken by Northern Developments and draws on their particular experience of working on other properties across the Estate, as well as their wider development expertise. Full details of the specification can be provided but key elements include:
• 24 hour on site security
• Ample car parking
• Quality internal finishes
• CAT 2 lighting & CAT 6 data cabling within skirting trunking
• Energy efficient oil fired central heating system
• UPVc Double glazed doors & windows
• Male, female and disabled toilets
• 8 person lift with full disabled access
Additional works can of course be undertaken to meet the specific individual requirements of any occupier.
For further information, please contact:
Richard Percival of Carigiet Cowen 01228 544733 or rpercival@carigietcowen.co.uk
Article published in Commercial Property Monthly
10/05/2007 - NEW UNITS PROVE GREAT SUCCESS
Before building work of the latest phase of the Penrith 40 Business Park is completed, terms have been agreed on all but two of the 10 office pavilions. The availability of high quality new flexible accommodation in this excellent location has clearly filled a gap in the market and is proving a great hit with occupiers and investors alike.
Chris Smith, Director, is very pleased. “Errigal Developments had sufficient confidence in the Penrith market to build the last phase on the park in its entirety. This confidence has proved well founded. It is unusual for such a high take up rate to be achieved before completion and demonstrates what can be achieved with the right product in the right location”.
The first occupiers are due on site within the next few weeks.
The last two units are available for lease. They both provide approximately 2,100 sq ft of high quality open plan office space with on site parking. Further information can be obtained from Chris Smith. E-mail : csmith@carigietcowen.co.uk
08/05/2007 - CONTROVERSIAL PROPOSALS FOR EMPTY BUSINESS RATES RELIEF
Details of the governments proposed changes to empty business rates relief were included in the 2007 Budget Report which was published on the same day as The Lyons Inquiry.
The proposal changes can be summarised as follows:
Retail - existing: 3 months rates free then 50% charge
- proposal: 3 months rates free then 100% charge
Offices - existing: 3 months rates free then a 50% charge
- proposal: 3 months rates free then a 100% charge
Industrial - existing: rates free period for the entire time that the property is empty
- proposal: 6 months rates free then a 100% charge.
The changes will require primary and secondary legislation before they can be implemented with effect from the target date of 1 April 2008.
The RICS as well as much of the business community are very concerned abotu these proposed changes, and concerted efforts are being made to persuade the government to change its mind.
There is currently a petition on the 10 Downing Street web site against the proposed changes. If you would like to sign it, go to http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/empty rates
For further advice on business rates matters please contact Iain Henderson on 01228 635005.
08/03/2007 - THE ROYAL , BOWNESS ON WINDERMERE
Practical completion of the retail element of this substantial mixed commercial scheme in the centre of the Lake District town of Bowness is anticipated 3rd August. Contractors for Tesco Express have been given early entry to commence fitting out works and other tenants: Costa; House Shop and Julian Graves will start work in the near future.
Of the 3 remaining units fronting St Martins Parade, one is already under offer, and marketing of the remaining 2 has just commenced
Margaret Bushnell of Carigiet Cowen and joint agent Danny Pinkus of Pinkus and Co are also delighted to report that exchange of contracts for the investment purchase has now taken place with completion fixed for September.
For details of the 2 remaining retail units , please see our retail section
20/02/2007 - PENRITH 40 BUSINESS PARK, ERRIGAL DEVELOPMENTS
Strong demand continues at Penrith 40. Terms have now been agreed on 3 of the new-build units under construction at Penrith 40.
This is the latest phase of the Penrith 40 development being undertaken by Errigal Developments and demonstrates confidence in the Penrith market. Chris Smith, Director of Carigiet Cowen, indicates 'I am delighted with the way the development is progressing. Completion of the first units is still some weeks off, but already 30% of the scheme is now under offer. Interest in other pavilion units is expected to lead to more deals shortly. The first units are due to completion in April."
29/01/2007 - DEVELOPMENT SITES AT BURNESIDE, NEAR KENDAL
Carigiet Cowen have been instructed by James Cropper Plc to disposal of two development sites in the centre of Burneside, Near Kendal. One of the sites extends to 0.15 ha (0.37 acres) and the other extends to 0.10 ha (0.25 acres). Both sites present attractive residential development opportunities. Details are available on request and written offers are invited no later than 12 noon on Friday 9 March 2007.
07/12/2006 - STRONG DEMAND AT PENRITH 40
Erigal Developments, new office development on the Penrith 40 Business Park is proving a big hit. A pre-sale of one unit has already been achieved and there are inquiries in respect of a further 14,000 sq ft of accommodation.
The development offers high quality modern office accommodation in units of approximately 2,000 sq ft with on site parking. Construction is now moving apace with the first units due for completion in March 2007.
07/12/2006 - INTERNATIONAL CHARITY TAKES SPACE AT CLIFFORD COURT
Operation Mobilisation, an international charity has chosen Gladman Developments Clifford Court for the site of their new international co-ordinating team. Occupying two of the brand new units extending in total to 12,000 sq ft. The official opening of the office involved senior OM leaders from around the world.
Chris Smith, marketing agent for the scheme, welcomes this latest high profile occupier at the development. "The park continues to go from strength to strength. Operation Mobilisation's presence further raises the profile of the City's premier office location". In a little over 12 months a range of international, national and local organisations take occupation of in excess of 40,000 sq ft of space. A further 30,000 sq ft of accommodation is currently under offer and I hope to provde details of more successful transactions in early course".
06/10/2006 - PENCIL FACTORY LEAVING KESWICK AFTER 200 YEARS
Article published in Cumberland News
Margaret Bushnell, Director at Carigiet Cowen has been involved in negotions with this move.
Keswick's historic Cumberland Pencil Company is leaving the town after nearly 200 years. Management confirmed yesterday that it is closing its Southey Hill factory and plans to transfer its 100-strong workforce to a purpose-built plant near Workington in 2008. They say the move, which will end more than 500 years of pencil production in Keswick, will safeguard employee's futures.
The company has applied for planning permission to build a 44,000 sq ft factory at the Lillyhall Business Park and hopes to move early next year.
The switch has the backing of the West Cumbria Development Agency, West Lakes Renaissance, Allerdale council, North West Development Agency, and Workington MP Tony Cunningham.
Company general manager David Sharrock said "The Cumberland Pencil Company must move with the times, maintain its status in this very competitive industry and secure the future of the world renowned Derwent brand. The old Keswick premises are no longer suitable for manufactoring methods and impeded our progress.
"The new premises at Lillyhall will allow the continued growth of the business, and the safeguarding of employment in the area, and take the company from strength to strength."
Keswick has been the home of pencil making since graphite was discovered there in the early 1500s. The Cumberland Pencil Company's own history dates back to 1832 when Ann Banks and Co set up a business at Forge Mill. By 1886 Abraham Wren and Hogarth Hayes, two other firms had combined at Southey Hill. Banks & Co moved into Hogarth's premises in 1908, trading as the Cumberland Pencil Company, and since then it has been owned by the Twinlock and Rexel groups.
Executives say the move to Workington will be similar to that in 1832 when pencil production stopped being a small cottage industry and became a major industrial force for which the town became internationally renowed.
The Cumberland Pencil Museum will remain on the Keswick site, keeping a piece of tradition and heritage at the roots of the UKs only surviving pencil manufacturer. An outline agreement has been reached to sell the factory site to local businessman Keith Graham.
15/08/2006 - MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT GROWS AT CARIGIET COWEN
In the last 6 months, the management department has secured 2 new high profile instructions in Carlisle. In May, the company won an instruction to manage the new London Road Retail Park to the south east of the city centre on behalf of Stainsby Grange (Carlisle) Ltd. The development is anchored by a 66,000 sq ft B&Q retail warehouse, and other retailers on the park include Pets at Home, Maplin Electronics and Pizza Hut. Laura Ashley has recently signed a new lease to take the final available unit which means that the retail park is now fully let.
In July, Carigiet Cowen took over the management of the Earls Lane Shopping Centre on behalf of Watsham Finance Corporation. The scheme includes a number of retailers with frontage onto Lowther Street such as Toy Town and Coco Bay, various units along the pedestrianised Mall area, and also the bus station operated by Stage Coach.
15/08/2006 - NEW BUSINESS MOVE TO DENTON HOLME TRADE CENTRE
A number of new lettings have been completed this year. Chips Away took a new lease of Unit 28 in January, The Bed Shop took a new lease of Unit 19 in March, Compass Cabling Systems took a new lease of Unit 21 in April, and Homeserve Emergency Services have just taken a new lease of Unit 13 to complement the adjacent unit which the company already occupies. Various rent reviews and lease renewals are ongoing, and the scheme is now fully let.
15/08/2006 - BIG BUSINESS RATES SAVINGS FOR EDDIE STOBART AT SHERBURN
Of the various clients that Carigiet Cowen advises on business rates matters, Eddie Stobart Ltd is one of the higher profile Cumbrian based businesses. The company lodged a protective rating appeal against the 2005 rating assessment of £1,520,000, and managed to negotiate a substantial reduction to a revised Rateable Value of £1,325,000. This successful rating appeal resulted in business rates savings to the client of over £435,000 over the 5 years of the 2005 Valuation List.
07/08/2006 - LAURA ASHLEY TAKE LAST UNIT IN LONDON ROAD RETAIL SCHEME IN CARLISLE
Laura Ashley are just about to fit out the last unit in this highly successful retail warehouse development completed by Stainsby Grange on the edge of the city. Units already open for trading include a 70,000sq ft B&Q Superstore , Maplins, Pets at Home and Pizza Hut. Margaret Bushnell at letting agents Carigiet Cowen is delighted to have such a quality operator comitting long term to Carlisle and its strong customer base, following their coming out of their previous space within the Homebase unit at Kingmoor Park .
28/03/2006 - LAST WORKERS LEAVE AS TEXTILE FACTORY CLOSES
THE last remaining workers at Whitehaven textile factory Sekers will lose their jobs next month when it finally closes. Around 25 staff are still working in administration and warehousing at the Hensingham factory, which ceased manufacturing, with the loss of 50 jobs, in March last year. The long-standing firm, which designed and made fabrics for the high street, blamed the closure on increased competition across the textiles industry because of foreign-based imports.
The factory site has been on the market for an undisclosed sum, and Carlisle-based chartered surveyors, Carigiet Cowen, which is handling the sale, said there had been “a huge amount of interest” in it. Dundee-based businessman Malcolm Moir, who owns the factory, confirmed today that it has not yet been bought.
The factory will finally close its doors on April 28 and its fabric sales outlet is due to close at Easter. Sekers has been at west Cumbria’s industrial heart since opening in 1938 when it made parachutes. It went on to produce fabrics and soft furnishing textiles for some of the leading fashion houses. It also had contracts with Laura Ashley and Next.
Published in News & Star
By Andrea Thompson