News
26/02/2010 - RISING TO THE CHALLENGES OF A DIFFICULT MARKET
Fallout from the credit crunch and lack of bank funding hit the Cumbrian property market hard during 2009. Despite very difficult trading conditions Carigiet Cowen have had an exceptionally busy last 6 months representing a range of clients in a number of significant transactions. Highlights include:-
Acting on behalf of Gladman Developments Chris Smith agreed terms with Border TV/Tyne Tees to establish their new Carlisle base at Clifford Court, Parkhouse Business Park. This further raises the profile of the city's increasingly popular office location.
Gladman have also been active at The Sidings, Port Road Business Park, a new office development adjacent to Cumberland Infirmary. Prior to Christmas, Carigiet Cowen completed a sale of the first phase of this development comprising some 10,000 sq ft of high quality offices and parking to growing local financial services company Investacc.
In Penrith, acting for Cumbria Partnership Foundation NHS Trust, Chris acquired Voreda House an 11,000 sq ft purpose built office building which is to be the Trust's new headquarters.
Retail activity has been a sector particularly badly hit by the economic difficulties, however discount retailers have remained very active. Margaret Bushnell negotiated two of the most notable lettings of 2009 being the 40,000 sq ft former Woolworths store in Carlisle city centre to Bargain Madness and a 12,000 sq ft unit to Home Bargains within the Earls Lane Shopping Centre.
In the industrial sector Richard Percival secured the largest letting in Cumbria for some time which saw global parcel distribution company UPS taking 40,000 sq ft of refurbished space at Kingmoor Park. Richard also provided assistance to County Motors (Carlisle) Ltd in respect of the sale of their former Grearshill Road showroom and premises extending to some 2.9 acres, which is currently undergoing substantially refurbishment by the new owner.
More recently Richard has provided valuation and property advice to John Ritchie Ltd to assist them in the purchase of the former STL HQ and high bay warehouse facility at Kingstown, comprising over 110,000 sq ft of high quality offices and warehouse space. Not only a major property transaction, this deal has also secured a large number of jobs for the area.
Finally at a time when most companies are keeping a close eye on occupational costs, Iain Henderson has concluded further successful rating appeals on behalf of the Stobart Group. Saving the organization in excess of half a million pounds in the last 3 months. Iain’s focus of attention is now on the 2010 Rating Revaluation which goes “live” on 1st April 2010, together with pursuing empty rates initiatives on a property by property basis.
If you require advise on how best to mitigate your current or future business rates liability or any other commercial property matter please contact Carigiet Cowen on 01228 544733 or email carlisle@carigietcowen.co.uk
25/02/2010 - Stobart Super Brand
Logistics giant Eddie Stobart has been named 32nd strongest business brand in the UK and the country's top industrial distribution brand in the 2010 Superbrands survey.
Stobart, headquartered in Cumbria with centres in Warrington and Widnes among its 6m sq ft portfolio, beat the likes of O2, HSBC and KPMG and rivals DHL in the ranking. Only international giant FedEx Express, at 24, was higher among transport and logistics companies.
Stephen Cheliotis, chairman of the judging council and CEO of the Centre for Brand Analysis, said: "Congratulations to Eddie Stobart on achieving Business Superbrands status. In this economic climate a powerful brand is more important than ever. It can be a key driver of new and repeat business and have a positive influence on stakeholders. Being highly rated in this survey is an indicator of their business's ability to grow through a brand that stakeholders trust, want and believe in."
The UK's best-known logistics brand employs over 5,500 people at more than 40 sites and has a fleet approaching 2,000 trucks.
Andrew Tinkler, Stobart Group's chief executive, said: "It's fantastic for Eddie Stobart to achieve Business Superbrand status for the fifth year. We are extremely proud of our brand which has been built on solid and traditional core business beliefs. This accolade is testament to our hard-working employees and our loyal fans in the Stobart Members Club and we are continuing with our plans to push the brand even further with Stobart Group's multimodal transport and carbon reduction solutions pioneering the logistics industry."
Carigiet Cowen have secured the Stobart Group over £500,000 in business rates savings over the last 6 months
05/01/2010 - Coming Soon on Kingstown Industrial Estate
For lease or sale, six prestigious commercial property units currently occupied by one of the country's most successful companies, Stobart Group.
The high quality units, which range from 883 sq m (9,500 sq ft) to 9.848 sq m (106,000 sq ft), represent a unique opportunity to be part of the Kingmoor Park success story.
The range of warehouse, office/canteen and workshop/maintenance units are located less than a mile from Junction 44 of the M6.
The popular Kingstown site is also adjacent to the Carlisle Northern Development Route and the proposed £multi-million Kingmoor Park Hub development.
For further information please contact:
Richard Percival 01228 635006
rpercival@carigietcowen.co.uk
24/11/2009 - CARLYLE'S COURT GOES FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH
Over the last 12 months, Carlisle's niche shopping centre at Carlyle's Court has undergone a number of changes to its retailer "line up", and now boasts a fully let central courtyard area with a strong tenant mix of specialist retailers. Beadle & Hill Jewellers has now relocated to Unit 2, Pink Fig Interiors & Gifts has now opened in Unit 3, and a number of other retailers have carried out internal refurbishments.
The scheme, which has entrances from both Fisher Street and St Mary's Gate, received a "face lift" in late spring with extensive stone cleaning, lead work repairs and external redecoration works being carried out. In the run up to Christmas, the building and courtyard area is now lit with Christmas lights which create an attractive and festive shopping environment.
Iain Henderson, Director of Carigiet Cowen, who manages Carlyle's Court on behalf of the owners, R O Regional Properties Ltd, says "the scheme is unique in Carlisle with its niche retail offer, and given its location within the heart of Carlisle's historic quarter, it is definitely worth a visit. There is a good synergy with Hoopers whose department store is linked to Carlyle's Court."
16/11/2009 - Carigiet Cowen acted for Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
PENRITH’S Voreda House is to get a new lease of life following a£1 million investment by Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
The trust, which provides mental health and learning disability services across the county, has bought the former tax office as its permanent headquarters and base for a new learning network centre.
It was previously based at the Carleton Clinic, Carlisle, and the move will bring more than 60 jobs to Penrith as part of staff relocation proposals. Some new posts associated with the learning network have also been established.
Voreda House is due to be refurbished and it is envisaged that staff will move into the new building in spring. It is hoped that it could also lead to the creation of some new jobs in the future and give a boost to businesses in the area.
Trust chief executive Stephen Dalton said: “We are delighted to be moving to Penrith. Its central location and good access make it an ideal location for the trust. We hope the purchase will provide a boost to local trade and we are very much looking forward to moving in.”
Voreda House, which had been used as offices since it was constructed more than 35 years ago, was vacated earlier this year when the Inland Revenue office was closed and a much reduced service transferred to the town hall.
Learning Network is a new initiative for the trust and will support NHS staff in Cumbria with education, training and research. “We wanted some kind of central focus,” said Mr. Dalton, who added that the initiative would embrace some 1,500 members of staff who were based at various locations throughout the county.
He said that Penrith was chosen because of its good motorway and rail links and its proximity to other facilities, including learninginstitutions like the University of Cumbria.
Mr. Dalton said that while some members of staff had mixed feelings and were anxious about the change, Penrith was seen as the most popular option as it was viewed as an attractive place in which to work.
Dr. Chris Hallewell, medical director of the Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said Voreda House would also become something of a resource network “hub” for staff. It will host seminars, be a base for computer-based learning and provide support to learning action groups.
The network will enable the latest medical research and case study findings to be distributed to NHS staff throughout the county and help improve support for patients and carers. In Eden about 10 per cent. of the population have mental health problems and because the area has an ageing population dementia is a particular concern.
Significant investment has been made in establishing a more community care-based delivery of mental health and learning disability services across the county and the move of the trust’s headquarters from a hospital setting and into the community is seen as a natural progression towards that goal.
26/10/2009 - Carlyle's Court
Carigiet Cowen are the
Property and Management Agents for
Carlyle's Court
12/10/2009 - Carigiet Cowen help Hamish achieve his dream
A former London professional has launched a high-end home and giftware store he hopes can help Carlisle’s push to become the UK’s city of culture.
Hamish Phillips and partner Alison Occomore has moved to Cumbria to open Pink Fig, in the city’s Carlyle Court shopping centre.
The store will stock products by designers SIA and Parlane, bringing big city sophistication to Carlisle’s retail scene.
Mr Phillips and partner Alison Occomore fell in love with the county after regularly visiting for holidays and said it headed a list of one when they were drawing up destinations for their new venture.
The shop sells designer gifts from a £1,000 glass table to hand-painted Christmas decorations.
Mr Phillips said: “I previously worked in commercial sales and corporate travel in the City of London, commuting from Colchester.
“We spent most of our holidays in the Lake District and we absolutely fell in love with it.
“When Alison’s sister, who lives here, had a baby, that was the spur we needed to relocate here.
“We decided we wanted a complete change of lifestyle and came up with the idea of running a shop. It was natural then to want to be in Carlisle, Cumbria’s capital city.
“By chance we came across the unit in Carlyle Court and it just seemed to fit what we wanted to do perfectly.
“We talked to a lot of people and everyone was enthusiastic about our plans.
“We absolutely fell in love these products (by SIA and Parlane) and thought they were perfect for Carlisle.
“We want to offer gifts that are unique. These are not mass-produced items, if you buy something for your home here, you won’t see it turning up in everybody else’s houses. There is a real buzz about Carlisle, it’s an up-and-coming place, with things like the City of Culture bid and we hope we can play our part in the lifting the city up to where it belongs.
“We don’t want people to get the idea everything here is expensive though, we stock items from £1.90, right up to the glass table, which costs more than £1,000.”
The pair have bought a house at Houghton and Ms Occomore will continue doing her corporate travel job from home, working in the store on Saturdays.
The name Pink Fig came about after they began pairing colours with fruits to come up with a memorable brand.
Mr Phillips added: “We went through the usual: red strawberry, yellow banana and eventually came to fig.
“In religion the fig is a symbol of new beginnings and it is the first fruit to flower in Israel. We paired it with pink and it just felt right.”
01/10/2009 - Kingmoor Park
Despite difficult national economic conditions, the 400 acre Kingmoor Park site on the edge of Cumbria's Lake District, is continuing to hold its own in the Commercial Property and development marketplace with two recent lettings to global distribution companies, the acquisition of a new portfolio of property courtesty of Stobart Group Ltd and the long awaited start of a major new arterial route that will pass straight through the site enhancing its existing good access to Junction 44 of the M6.
Both DPD and UPS have taken leases on refurbished buildings of 16,500 sq ft and 40,000 sq ft adding to the site's growing popularity amongst the parcel delivery sector.
Meanwhile, smaller units, have also proved popular with a whole block of 8 new build terrace units, each of 1,500 sq ft being snapped up for new start up companies. However, a range of new build and refurbished opportunities remain available for immediate occupation offering unit sizes from 3,000 sq ft up to in excess of 50,000 sq ft in single buildings. Design and Build options or site sales can also be considered to accommodate individual occupiers requirements.
The imminent relocation of the Stobart Group headquarters from Kingstown Industrial Estate to Carlisle Airport also provides a rare opportunity to acquire a range of good quality high bay warehouse space together with a high quality office building and facilities.
The portfolio provides flexible unit sizes from 10,000 sq ft to almost 250,000 sq ft with opportunities to take occupational leases or purchase long leasehold interests.
However, the 'jewel in the crown' for Kingmoor Park this year is the recent announcement that the Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR), which will provide an enchanced link to the M6, has been given the green light. This is double good news for Kingmoor Park as it means another multi million pound development project for the site can also start. This development, known as the 'HUB', received planning approval in 2006, but was reliant on the realisation of the CNDR and will potentially generate hundreds of new jobs for Carlisle. The scheme offers the opportunity to provide the city's first purpose built four star hotel. The mixed development will be based around one of the new roundabouts being created as part of the CNDR project.
The flagship, 130 bed, four star hotel, with conference suite and fitness centre, will be a focal point that will include restaurants and bars, 100,000 sq ft of offices, neighbourhood shops, bus terminus, fuel filling station and crech.
The realisation of these two major strategic projects will change the face of Kingmoor Park for the future, moving it away from a traditional industrial estate to an attractive hub where people can work, live, shop and unwind as well as providing a thriving, people rich, business environment where your business can grow.
For more information please contact Ross Nicolson, Kingmoor Park's Property Manager on 01228 674114 or email Ross at ross.nicolson@kingmoorpark.co.uk
01/09/2009 - Derwent Mill, Cockermouth
QUALITY NEW BUSINESS PARK COMPLETES IN COCKERMOUTH
Flexible finance options prove popular with local businesses
Leading regeneration specialist, Priority Sites, has completed 50,000 sq ft of new, high specification industrial space for Cockermouth, Cumbria.
One of the factory units has already been sold and three others are now under offer as the scheme completes, it is anticipated that the Derwent Mills Commercial scheme will create and retain up to 100 jobs for the local area when fully occupied.
The new development, which comprises 12 units ranging in size from 3,031 to 9,148 sq ft, is being offered with a unique ‘try before you buy’ option. The scheme allows businesses to move straight into the high specification premises on a leasehold basis, with an option to buy at a later date to suit the occupier.
The development has been attracting significant interest since building commenced. Phil Haslam, Senior Development Manager of Priority Sites, explains; “Local companies need modern, cost effective premises to prosper. We have had significant interest in the scheme and the fact that two units are already under offer as we complete, is firm evidence of the demand from local SMEs for this type of accommodation, with the large degree of financial flexibility it offers.”
Bill Skilki, Chief Executive of Priority Sites comments; “We are delighted with the success of the Derwent Mills development. Priority Sites aims to build speculatively in areas requiring commercial regeneration, in order to create sustained employment opportunities for the locality, and this scheme is a prime example of this concept working practice.
“Until now, if a local business wished to relocate to more efficient premises, they had to look outside the area. Derwent Mills provides modern, efficient industrial space in Cockermouth, allowing local businesses to expand and relocate within the area, which in turn will help sustain employment opportunities and enable the local economy to prosper.”
The new business space is available to buy or let on flexible terms and is suitable for a range of light manufacturing and assembly purposes. The development is conveniently located in Cockermouth, close to the A66, with direct access to the M6.
The joint appointed agents on the scheme are Carigiet Cowen and Smeatons. Richard Percival of Carigiet Cowen, adds; “Against the backdrop of the current economic climate and the difficulty many companies are finding with securing funds, Priority Sites has recognised that businesses need as much financial flexibility as possible.
“They have therefore put together a package which allows businesses to either buy or rent the space at affordable rates, on flexible lease periods or alternatively, rent now with an option to buy at a later date. This flexibility will undoubtedly contribute to the schemes future success.”
For further information on available business space at Derwent Mills Commercial Park, please contact Richard Percival of Carigiet Cowen on 01228 544 733
01/09/2009 - National Trade Counter Operator secures new site in Carlisle
On behalf of Tarras Park Properties Ltd, part of the Buccleuch Property Group Carigiet Cowen have now completed the letting of Unit 10, Site 54 Grearshill Road, Kingstown Industrial Estate, Carlisle to rapidly expanding trade counter operator Toolstation.
The 5,800 sqft mid-terrace property within Tarras Park’s popular 13 unit development has been fully refurbished and fitted out for Toolstation who have now commenced trading.
Richard Percival of Carigiet Cowen acted on behalf of the landlord whilst Philip MacLauchlan of Adept Consultancy advised the incoming tenant.
Toolstation was launched in 2003. It is an independent company, founded by a team that is passionate about running an efficient operation - keeping costs low so that customers enjoy consistently low prices for high quality products.
Toolstation now has in excess of 65 trade counters open or under offer and as part of its ongoing expansion requires additional sites across the UK
Investment in state-of-the-art customer, warehousing and supply systems means that, as we keep on growing, we will continue to meet our promise to thousands of customers across the UK.
All Toolstation branches are designed to carry a comprehensive stock of 10,000+ catalogue products and are open to everyone. Orders can also be place online at www.toolstation.com - reliable trade products at unbeatable prices, with free next-day delivery widely available.
Travis Perkins PLC - a £3bn per annum turnover, FTSE 250 company - now owns 30% of Toolstation and provides funding to support ambitious growth plans for the business. Travis Perkins is a leader in the builders merchant and home improvements retailing sectors operating seven businesses (Travis Perkins, Keyline, City Plumbing, CCF, Wickes, Benchmarx and Tile Giant) from over 1200 sites across the UK.
31/07/2009 - 5,000 jobs at Carlisle's Kingmoor Park
CARLISLE’S Kingmoor Park is poised for a dramatic new development, creating a business “village” capable of supporting 5,000 workers.
The news of an October start on the long-awaited Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR) will trigger a new spate of development at Kingmoor, which will include cafés, restaurants, local shops, and a four-star hotel.
The site’s owners spoke this week of their vision of Kingmoor Park as one of the best industrial estates in the north west, which could support more than 5,000 jobs. The new “Hub Development” aims to ensure that the workers based on the huge 400-acre site will have places to eat, shop, and socialise.
There are currently about 1,500 employees at Kingmoor Park, but only a scattering of facilities.
The centrepiece of the Hub development – itself at the heart of the Kingmoor Park site – will be a 130-bed four-star hotel, with a conference suite and fitness centre. There will also be a bus terminus, a fuel-filling station, bars and a mini shopping arcade.
The site’s owners insist the scheme will pose no threat to Carlisle city centre but will provide essential facilities for the rapidly expanding workforce.
Planners first approved the Hub in 2006 but the scheme was conditional on the building of the CNDR, which will make Kingmoor Park more attractive to businesses.
Tony Goddard, chief executive of Kingmoor Park Properties Ltd, said the latest scheme would transform the industrial estate into attractive workplace where people can work, shop and unwind.
He said: “The Hub will result in a sizeable community of visitors and occupants needing their own services and we are looking to provide a full range so that people can shop, fill their car up, grab a sandwich, have their hair done, enjoy a coffee or sit down for a formal business lunch or dinner.
“This in turn will encourage more economic activity that the next phase of our development plans will sweep up.We have 1,500 people on the site at the moment but there is nowhere to go for your lunch other than a few sandwich bars. The hub will create a focal point for the people who work here or come to visit.”
Mr Goddard said his company was currently in talks with major supermarkets about the possibility of having smaller scale shop units. He would also like to see coffee shops such as Costa and Starbucks on the site, as well as a doctor’s surgery, a pharmacy and a creche.
Workers will be able to unwind in cafés or with a picnic near any one of several ornamental ponds at the site.
Mr Goddard said: “We’re not looking to compete with Carlisle city centre – there won’t be a Marks and Spencer or a Debenhams, or a 100,000 sq ft Tesco.
“I’ve always been in favour of people not staying in the office during lunch breaks and all we want to do is provide the necessary facilities people need to live and work here.”
The Hub itself will be next to one of the CNDR’s main roundabouts, on a site spanning 20 acres. The building of the facilities is likely to provide up to 100 construction jobs, while thereafter there are likely to be jobs for up to 300 people.
Mr Goddard said the Hub is the third major phase of development and will be a key element of its growth. He added: “I believe this phase could well accelerate the development of Kingmoor Park, making it more attractive for businesses.
“Most of the space here is used for warehousing, but there is a wide range of business types and sizes, which now have good and improving connections to the major roads network and the motorway and a direct rail link. If you want to grow you have to have the right facilities for the people here.
“We want to create a business village, with everything people need to live and work here, while accepting that if you want to buy a suit or a trolley full of shopping, you’ll have to go into town.”
22/07/2009 - Carlisle's £178 million bypass plans put on show
Plans for how the long-awaited Carlisle western bypass will take shape have been unveiled for the first time.
Last week a contract was signed between construction firm Balfour Beatty and Cumbria County Council, with work due to begin on October 19.
Yesterday councillors and the press were given a first glimpse of how the £178million scheme would take shape, and the difficulties that would have to be overcome to finally make it a reality.
Marie Fallon, the council’s corporate director of environment, said: “This scheme is our top priority in terms of providing improved access into Carlisle and enhancing opportunities for economic development in Cumbria.
“At the moment we have got lorries as well as cars trying to get through the historic centre of Carlisle. This will provide good access around the northern part of Carlisle and to west Cumbria where we need access. If you look at Cumbria’s performance during the economic downturn, we are not as bad as elsewhere, but we have got to ensure growth over the coming years, as it was quite slow prior to the downturn.
“Good infrastructure enables us to put in good growth in the future.”
Preparatory work is already underway, including on Kingmoor Rail Bridge which crosses the West Coast Mainline. Construction will start on the northern section of the road itself, known as the Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR), in October. The whole CNDR will be open April 2012, and complete by 2013.
Concerns were expressed at the briefing about how the road will sit alongside other transport maintenance costs for the council.Because the council has entered into a 30-year private contract with Connect CNDR – a company set up by Balfour Beatty for the ongoing maintenance of the road – it is unable to alter its contract without first agreeing the change with the contractors.
If the council was looking to make budget cuts in its roads department, it would not be able to incorporate either the CNDR, or a further 92 miles of highway on the A7, A594, A595, A596, A689 and A6071, in those cuts without the agreement of Connect CNDR.
The bypass will begin the process of reinvigorating the Cumbrian economy through the employment it will bring. At its peak, construction of the road will employ around 180 people. And when it is complete, around 20 people will continue to monitor its upkeep.
The road will include two bridges in its design, including a new bridge over the River Eden, which Connect CNDR director Andy Beauchamp described as “striking”, and a replacement rail bridge at Kingmoor Rail Park.
This will demand the closure of the West Coast Mainline for a 55-hour period, which the council has organised over the Christmas period.
Environmental issues such as bats and otters living on the route of the road have been addressed, and a cycleway will be built alongside the route.
11/07/2009 - The Original John's Plaice at Cardewlees
Many would say that a recession is not the best time to launch a new business, but John Hope thinks the opposite is true. He has just opened up a new fish and chip restaurant.
There’s no history of a chippy on the site, it’s a good walk from the nearest houses and it’s on one of the region’s busiest roads. But John couldn’t resist the challenge.
“I think a recession is when you should open a business – if you can make a success of it when it is bad, you will do all right. Most people I know thought I was an idiot taking something on in the middle of nowhere, with no houses nearby, a fast road and a rural location.
But we drove past this every day when we worked in Carlisle and I just thought of all the passing trade. I wanted to open a chip shop in a new situation, not take over an existing business. There is no chip shop in Dalston or Thursby and I just thought it had a lot of potential.”
Perhaps most importantly, he has his name to trade on.
Despite a seven-year break from running a fish and chip shop, former customers still remember the quality of his food from when he ran a business in Moss Bay, Workington and then at Silloth. Hence the name: The Original John’s Plaice – so his old customers know it really is him.
“I missed the buzz of it,” admits John who still lives in Silloth. “I’ve missed working the nights and weekends – I’ve walked miles along the prom at Silloth in the evenings because I’ve not had anything to do.
“It’s hard and hot work, we’ve spent a fortune fitting this place out and we’re working long hours, but I’m enjoying it and it has gone better than I expected. Tea-time, from 4.30pm to 7pm is our busiest time, but we are getting quite a few people in for breakfast as well. And we’re getting people in who see the sign and say ‘oh, it is really you’ which is good.”
The building has a mixed heritage, before being restyled as the Original John’s Plaice it was a saddlery and tack shop for horsey-types and before that it was a Little Chef. It’s fair to say that the food has improved since then!
10/07/2009 - Parcel giant UPS opens depot on Carlisle's Kingmoor Park
A second leading international parcel firm has opened a depot on Carlisle’s Kingmoor Park in a jobs boost for the city.
UPS, the largest express carrier and package delivery company in the world, this week moved into a unit on the industrial estate in a £400,000 deal.
The contract negotiated by local property consultants Carigiet Cowen is one of the biggest lettings deal in the north west this year, according to property guide Estates Gazette.
New jobs are expected to be created by the company, which has already begun trading from the new site. UPS will close its two other Carlisle depots at Dentonholme and Durranhill.
The deal is another coup for the seemingly recession-proof Kingmoor Park. European delivery giant Geopost announced last December that it had chosen it as its Carlisle base.
But, in a furious swipe at the Government, Kingmoor chief executive Tony Goddard has warned that similar future deals could be jeopardised by controversial rates charges for empty buildings.
Mr Goddard said: “We are able to respond quickly to enquiries such as this; we have a range of buildings available and can usually meet all types, shapes and sizes. But recent government policy to rate vacant property has caused us to completely review this strategy. This has imposed a heavy burden on the company.
“At a stroke this policy has made industrial developers throughout the country suspend all new speculative development and in many cases demolish buildings to avoid the rates charge.”
01/07/2009 - Stobart Campaign
AIRPORT AND BY- PASS DEVELOPMENTS
GOOD NEWS FOR ALL!
The proposed re-location of Stobart Group to Carlisle Airport and the announcement that work is due to start on the long-awaited Carlisle Northern Development Route is a double boost for Kingmoor Park, one of the largest industrial estates in the north west.
Kingmoor Park Properties Ltd, the management company behind the estate, also owns the current Stobart premises on Kingstown and is looking forward to adding this portfolio of buildings to its stock of available property. The Stobart move means there are now six prestigious, high quality commercial units available for lease or sale.
The timing is particularly good as it coincides with the recent announcement that work will start in October on the long-awaited Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR) that will cut through Kingmoor Park, further enhancing the site’s already excellent communications network.
Commenting, Tony Goddard, Chief Executive of Kingmoor Park Properties Limited, said: “These are two excellent pieces of news for us. The Stobart re-location provides us with a great chance to expand the variety of stock we can offer potential customers and the new road will open up the whole of North West Cumbria to new and existing firms on the site.
“Kingstown is a very popular site and previously we have been limited as to what we can offer. Now, we have a wide variety of buildings and land which means we can be flexible in our response to enquiries from companies, whatever their size or needs. The more options we can offer, the more chance we have of retaining successful companies in Carlisle, as well as attracting firms from outside the area. It is also a rare investment opportunity, for as well as leasing the land and buildings, we will consider selling.
“We are confident of attracting a lot of interest as we have had a positive year so far. In January, we had more enquiries than we have ever had in any previous January and interest has continued at a high level over the past months. We have 70% occupancy across the Kingmoor and Kingstown sites, so this injection of new stock means we are anticipating a big response.
25/06/2009 - WELCOME HIGHS
WELCOME HIGHS IN A YEAR OF NATIONAL & GLOBAL LOWS
It is almost a year since Carigiet Cowen moved from their former city centre base to newly refurbished offices at Telford House, Riverside, Warwick Road. Whilst the move has been straightforward, the well reported upheaval in both the economy and the commercial property market has been anything but.
Despite the general doom and gloom that has prevailed across many sectors, the team at Carigiet Cowen has remained focused on ensuring new and existing clients receive clear, appropriate and professional advice in a timely manner.
Notable successes during the last year include:-
Securing occupiers for in excess of 70,000 sq ft of industrial space at Kingmoor Park.
Negotiating the letting of the former Woolworths store in Carlisle city centre to Bargain Madness and also agreeing terms for Home Bargains to take 12,000 sq ft within the Earls Lane Shopping Centre.
Office deals to local firms BPD Zenith, SIJ Media and Hargraves Hale at Parkhouse Business Park, and Saint & Co and Gaynam King Mellor at Penrith 40
Minimising business rates and ground rent liabilities for a range of high profile local and national clients including The Stobart Group, Carrs Milling Industries, Kingmoor Park Properties and the Edinburgh Woollen Mill.
New management instructions at Carlyle's Court, Fisher Street and Earls Lane Shopping Centre, Lowther Street.
Richard Percival, who specialises in business space agency says "In challenging times it is essential that the expectations of both landlords/vendors and tenants/purchasers are realistically managed. We continue to work hard on behalf of our various clients to ensure their property assets are correctly balanced."
Co-Director Margaret Bushnell goes on to say "The retail sector has been particularly badly affected both nationally and locally and as yet there is little evidence of the green shoots of recovery creeping into the county. However, with large space lettings of the former Woolworths and Be-Wise units in the city centre, as well as smaller more locally orientated lettings on units such as the Old Town Hall, Cecil Street Antiques Centre and even the former Little Chef at Cardewlees, there is some cause for optimism."
18/06/2009 - Stage shows company moves onto Carlisle's Kingmoor Park
A new company has landed at Kingmoor Park in Carlisle with a bang!
Explosive Productions Ltd – the company responsible for big show productions for some of the biggest tourist names in Europe including Fred Olsen, Britannia Hotels, Center Parcs and Bourne Leisure – has just completed the internal remodelling of two adjoining units on Kingmoor Park Central.
The company now has a show stopping base for its productions including a dance and rehearsal studio, costume storage and administration offices. The base will be used to produce and rehearse large scale production shows for both their UK and international holiday and corporate clients.
This season’s productions include 35 performances each week for the five Grand Britannia Hotels, 15 weekly shows for cruise ship giant Fred Olsen and numerous large scale productions for Center Parcs.
In one six-week period the company will use approximately 50 professional, trained, freelance performers from one national audition, to perform 240-plus shows nationwide for The Bourne Leisure Group.
To kit them out a resident seamstress, based at Kingmoor Park, oversees the production and design of more than 200 flamboyant costumes, which are tailor made, depending on the show themes for each season.
The company was created more than five years ago by former head of entertainment for the Rank Organisations Sid Sims and his then deputy Andrew Cope to provide live entertainment for the holiday and corporate market.
Commenting on his new base, Sid Sims said: “Carlisle is the perfect location for us as we use freelance performers from all over the country who will now rehearse at Kingmoor Park.
“Its easy access to the motorway network is a real plus.
“We are located in a lovely, leafy part of the site among a variety of other businesses where we can quietly get on with what we do.
“I think it will be quite interesting to see the reaction from other business when we have 30 or more girls turning up for rehearsals.”
For more information on Explosive Productions Ltd visit its website at www.explosiveproductionsltd.co.uk.
03/06/2009 - Further Expansion
FURTHER EXPANSION OF PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
The property management arm of the business continues to grow from strength to strength, headed up by Director Iain Henderson. The latest addition to the managed portfolio is the mixed retail and office scheme at Carlyle's Court in the centre of Carlisle, owned by R O Regional Properties Ltd. The scheme, which has entrances from both Fisher Street and St Mary's Gate, has recently undergone a "facelift" with extensive stone cleaning, leadwork repairs and external redecoration works being carried out. The central courtyard area is now fully let with Beadle and Hill Jewellers having recently relocated to Unit 2, and the new occupier of Unit 3, trading in interiors and gifts, due to open for business in August.
03/06/2009 - Rate Revaluation
RATING REVALUATION ON THE HORIZON
The 2010 rating revaluation is fast approaching, which will represent the fifth revaluation that has been undertaken by the Valuation Office Agency since the publication of the 1990 List. The new 2010 rateable values are due to take effect from 1 April 2010 however, a draft List is due to be released by the Valuation Office Agency in September. Clients will be well advised to scrutinise every new rating assessment coming into the Valuation List on a case by case basis.
Many ratepayers will have received VOA Forms of Return to complete which enables the Agency to collate rental information and in some cases trading information from as many properties as possible, with a view to getting the new rateable values as accurate as possible.
As with all revaluation exercises, there are likely to be some properties which are over-assessed, some which are under-assessed, and some which seem about right. Every ratepayer will have the ability to appeal against any new assessment if they so wish. There is likely to be a system of transitional arrangements introduced as was the case at the last revaluation, which will phase in large increases and decreases in business rates liability. The Government is yet to announce the exact details of these arrangements.
Iain Henderson is the Director at Carigiet Cowen responsible for advising clients on business rates matters. "Over the past 12 months, we have seen the empty rates legislation, brought in with effect from 1 April 2008, have a devastating effect on businesses across the country, with landlords and tenants both being affected" says Iain Henderson. "Now more than ever before, it is vital for ratepayers to use every angle and opportunity possible to mitigate ongoing business rates liability", he says.
Carigiet Cowen continues to advise a range of local, regional and national clients including Carrs Milling Industries, the Stobart Group, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, Thomas Armstrong, Westmorland , M6 Diesel, Exelby Services and Cranstons.
03/06/2009 - Noteable Successes
LANDLORD AND TENANT WORK SUCCESSES
A raft of landlord and tenant work has continued to occupy all four Directors at Carigiet Cowen over the past 12 months. There have been a series of Independent Expert Determinations with which Iain Henderson and Chris Smith have been involved, with noteable successes for ground tenant clients at Kingstown and Rosehill Industrial Estates in Carlisle including Tarras Park Properties, WA Developments, Kingmoor Park Properties, Carrs Milling Industries, and Alberti Ltd
01/06/2009 - National Trailer Company Indespension secures new site in Carlisle
On behalf of locally based Lyon Property Investments Ltd, Carigiet Cowen have now completed the letting of the former Lucas property on London Road Carlisle to expanding trailer company Indespension Ltd.
This detached trade counter and workshop premises extending to some 4,300 sqft set within a good sized self contained site is prominently located on one of the main arterial routes into Carlisle city centre close to the successful London Road retail park home to B&Q, Pets at Home, Laura Ashley & Maplins.
It was the property’s excellent high profile location which convinced Indespension MD, Douglas Graham that this was the right place to open another branch expanding Indespension’s already extensive presence throughout the UK & Eire to 20 outlets.
The former Lucas property was bought by Lyon Properties in late 2008 and following remarketing by Carigiet Cowen a considerable amount of interest was generated from a wide variety of potential occupiers. The property has been extensively refurbished and upgraded to meet the requirements of Indespension who will be using it for the display, sale, hire, service and fitting of trailers, tow bars and associated parts.
Richard Percival of Carigiet Cowen acted on behalf of the landlord.
With 20 Indespension stores and hundreds of stockists across the UK & Ireland all supported by sales and technical backup from the Head Office in Bolton, customers are never far away from professional and friendly service.
Thousands of new and used trailers plus a full range of parts and towing accessories for most makes of trailer are available within Indespension stores, offering trailer
servicing and repair and excellent towbar fitting facilities.
14/02/2009 - New Kingmoor Park boost as second parcel firm plans depot
A second leading international parcel firm has signed up for a unit at Carlisle’s Kingmoor Park, as the site continues to defy the economic downturn.
The unnamed company is expected to move on to the industrial estate, north of the city, later this year. The news comes just weeks after Kingmoor chiefs revealed European delivery giant Geopost is to open a base there.
Kingmoor chief executive Tony Goddard said the number of firms inquiring about moving to Carlisle is “surprisingly high”, despite the recession.
The raft of infrastructure projects currently on the table, including the Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR), the Carlisle airport expansion, the new headquarters for the University of Cumbria and Carlisle Renaissance are making the city a desirable location for business, he added. Kingmoor’s popularity seems immune to the vagaries of the world economy, with talks currently ongoing between bosses and interested companies on about 320,000sq ft of space.
Since December 2008, a total of 64,000sq ft has been let, with another 10,000sq ft at the legal stage and a further 250,000sq ft subject to “serious interest”.
Mr Goddard said: “We have started 2009 with a surprisingly high level of inquiries, which is a very positive sign. These inquiries are particularly interesting as they demonstrate the flexibility of Kingmoor Park and Carlisle’s attractiveness as a business location. We currently have new build, expansion, relocation, land purchases and new start- up opportunities from global, national and local companies.
“Carlisle is experiencing unprecedented opportunities for development and investment including the huge public sector investment into schools in the city, the Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR), the development of the airport and Carlisle Renaissance.
“These projects represent many millions of pounds of investment for Carlisle, which I believe, should see us through these turbulent times. In the meantime, we look forward to publicising our next big sign up to keep those confidence levels high.”
The Cumberland News revealed in December that Geopost, Europe’s second largest parcel company is to open a depot a Kingmoor Park.
The firm’s DPD operation will take a unit at the site and is expected to create scores of warehouse and driver jobs.
27/01/2009 - Carigiet Cowen appointed to market high grade commercial space
HIGH SPEC FACTORY UNITS TAKE SHAPE IN COCKERMOUTH
Joint local agent appointed to market high grade commercial space
The first of 12 individual factory units are approaching completion at Derwent Mills Commercial Park in Cockermouth, Cumbria. Two units on the £3.5 million scheme have now been erected and could be available for new companies to move into in just 6 weeks time.
With the first phase approaching completion, the developer behind the new business space, regeneration specialist Priority Sites, has jointly appointed local agent Carigiet Cowen, alongside Smeatons, to market the scheme to local and regional businesses.
Richard Percival, Director of Carigiet Cowen, comments: “We are delighted to come on board at this stage in the development. At present there is no new build commercial space of this quality available in the Cockermouth area or the wider West Cumbria region. As such we hope demand for this type of accommodation will be high among local, regional and national businesses.
“The scheme provides an excellent opportunity for companies looking to expand or simply relocate to modern, efficient premises. We are confident that we will receive a steady stream of enquiries as the construction of the scheme progresses.”
The new units have been designed to ensure they are sympathetic to the aesthetics of the local environment and incorporate a number of energy efficient features, to help businesses save energy and potentially reduce costly utility bills.
When the 50,000 sq ft scheme completes construction in March 2009, it will boast units ranging in size from 2,900 sq ft to 9,000 sq ft, suitable for a range of light manufacturing and assembly purposes. The development is set to sustain up to 100 jobs for the Cockermouth area.
Murray Carr, Area Development Manager of Priority Sites, comments: “Whilst economic times are undoubtedly hard, we are still finding a number of SMEs who are in need of new factory premises, especially in this part of the county.
“In this tough climate, businesses need flexibility, with the ability to either buy or rent the space, at affordable rates, on flexible lease periods. By offering this degree of flexibility, and a quality product, we can ensure that local companies, and the jobs they bring, will stay in the Cockermouth area.”
Priority Sites is a joint venture commercial development company owned by The Royal Bank of Scotland and the Home and Communities Agency. It develops industrial, hybrid and office premises across England in areas requiring regeneration, primarily in former coalfield areas. The developer has completed over 3.5 million sq ft of commercial development to date, and has so far invested £30 million into the North West region alone.
Previous schemes completed in the region include 55,000 sq ft of high quality office accommodation for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority at Westlakes Science and Technology Park near Whitehaven and the now fully occupied 18,500 sq ft Andrew’s Court industrial scheme at Furness Business Park, Barrow, Carigiet Cowen were the agent in both cases.
For further information on available business space at Derwent Mills Commercial Park, please contact Richard Percival on 01228 635006 or email rpercival@carigietcowen.co.uk
22/11/2008 - £50m Kingmoor Park plan unveiled
The public have been given their first glimpse of a £50m plan to expand a Carlisle industrial estate.
Environmental consultant Elizabeth Lees and Kingmoor Park chief executive Tony Goddard with the plans
The proposal, to develop a 90-acre patch of land at Kingmoor Park, could eventually create 3,500 jobs. Kingmoor Park chief executive Tony Goddard was at the exhibition to talk people through the plans. The development would see offices and warehouses built on a patch of land known as the Brunthill estate.
It will take between 15 and 20 years to fully complete and will eventually house just short of one million sq ft of warehousing and 400,000 sq ft of office space. The units will be offered to light industrial, distribution and warehousing companies.
Once complete it will link the existing Kingmoor North and Kingmoor Central developments to create one of the biggest industrial estates in the north west and Cumbria’s only strategic investment site. It will eventually be served by the Carlisle Northern Development Route (CNDR), although it is not dependent on it.
It is hoped permission will be secured by next March. Work on site infrastructure like roads, water and power supplies would then be started.
Mr Goddard said: “This is a tremendously exciting project and we are absolutely thrilled with it. This is a fantastic opportunity for Kingmoor Park, Carlisle and north Cumbria.
“When we kicked off the site in 1999, owner Brian Scowcroft had the intention of creating up to 5,000 jobs. We have created 1,500 already and it’s not unrealistic to say we’ll create the other 3,500 in the next 15 years, with this project a key part of that expansion.”
Kingmoor chiefs have worked on the expansion plans since the Brunthill site was added to the Kingmoor Park portfolio in 2003.The threat of recession has not dampened their enthusiasm. Mr Goddard added: “It has started before and will finish after the recession; it’s a long term development that will ride through the ups and downs of the economic cycle. We are fortunate to have bucked the economic trend.”