HAMPTON Brook has had another successful year; developing numerous buildings on both a speculative basis and in partnership with occupiers who require a more bespoke product.
The company is also proud to have launched its new website showcasing many examples of current projects and available buildings, as well as a review of its extensive track record. Across the region Hampton Brook currently has over four million square feet of commercial space in the pipeline and a strategic land portfolio of 750 acres being brought through the planning system.
With its emphasis on delivering premium quality buildings and understanding of occupiers’ build and fit-out requirements, Hampton Brook continues to deliver some key buildings in the region and beyond, that have and will generate hundreds of new jobs. The developer has worked with a number of local growing businesses to provide bespoke property solutions that have also created efficiencies in working practices, and promoted and supported business growth, inextricably linking to that of the occupiers’ potential trading success.
One particular site that has seen a flurry of activity over the past couple of years is at Magnetic Park in Desborough. Two HQ facilities have been constructed that have facilitated the expansion of local companies, providing local jobs for local people. Dunkelman & Son Limited, which designs, manufactures and distributes shoe care accessories under the Dasco brand, took a 40,650 square feet building to provide a bespoke solution to accommodate its specialist needs, but also allowing an area for future expansion. A further 27,000 square foot facility was simultaneously constructed for a family-run printing company that relocated its print, warehousing, mailing services and fulfilment activities to the town.
At the beginning of the year, BP also opened an eight-pump filling station on the park – fronting the roundabout where Harborough Road meets Bear Way – joining other occupiers; Great Bear Distribution, O.Kay Engineering and Jacaranda Carpets. The station is supported by an M&S Simply Food.
The final two sites are now actively being marketed which offer opportunities to allow companies to fulfil their operational requirements. Office/business space is available from 9,000 square feet to 50,000 square feet and warehouse facilities from 25,000 square feet to 60,000 square feet – with leasehold or freehold build-to-suit packages available.
Over the past few years, occupiers seeking mid-sized warehouse headquarters have suffered from a lack of readily available quality stock, leading to unsatisfied requirements. These companies, primarily in the 25,000 square foot plus size bracket, have therefore explored design and build options which have also allowed them to be more focused and specific in their needs.
Such an opportunity to acquire a highly visible facility is being promoted by Hampton Brook in Towcester. Formula 40, strategically located on the Tove Valley Business Park – just north of the town centre – can deliver a detached industrial/warehouse facility of up to 35,000 square feet. The initial proposed specification features an impressive seven metre eaves, 10 per cent air-conditioned offices and extensive self-contained and secure yard and generous car parking provisions.
Commenting on its recent success, Ian Jackson, Director of Hampton Brook, said: “We are delighted to be creating premium buildings for excellent value to the requirements of the occupier on time and on budget.
“During the past 12 months we have completed, or are on-site delivering six new premium buildings, across the industrial and logistics, offices and retail sector. In addition, we are promoting over 750 acres of strategic land that will create major development schemes that support economic growth and inward investment.”
However, Hampton Brook’s activities are not restricted to Northamptonshire – far from it. The company has assets and projects all over the Midlands that have and continue to deliver and create further development, inward investment and jobs.
In September practical completion of a new 53,000 square foot industrial scheme – Velocity – was reached at Knowlhill, Milton Keynes. The largest of the two buildings, comprising some 25,000 square feet, was pre-let to broadbandbuyer.com; an internet technology supply and distribution company which has experienced considerable growth. This led to Hampton Brook’s decision to simultaneously speculatively construct the second phase of 22,700 square feet to meet the demand from businesses looking for brand new premium buildings in an excellent location. The building has now reached practical competition and is available on a leasehold basis. It is generating good interest as the only new build of its size currently available on the market in Milton Keynes.
Further opportunities will shortly be promoted that have the potential to fulfil further significant industrial and distribution/logistics requirements. This could meet the current and future needs of occupiers and investors seeking to relocate to Milton Keynes, as well as existing occupiers who may wish to expand.
In Luton, Hampton Brook purchased the former Monarch Airlines office headquarters on the airport and commenced on its commitment to invest over £10m in refurbishing the 36,000 square foot property, recently rewarded by securing its first new occupier. London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL), which operates and manages London Luton Airport, has agreed to a pre-let of the second floor of Infinity House, comprising 12,155 square feet, by signing a new lease. The suite will become its new headquarters; consolidating its existing multi-site operations on the airport.
Work is continuing on the office refurbishment works to deliver Grade A accommodation, with practical completion scheduled for later this year. Strong interest in the building continues to be shown from other high calibre occupiers keen to take advantage of both the sustainable features the building has to offer, the excellent car parking ratios and the wider transport improvements taking place at the airport.
In conclusion, Ian Jackson said: “Our understanding of an occupier’s business and ability to deliver the premium building on time and on budget is always a primary objective for the firm. And to continue to be successful across the region is testament to the hard work of our professional team and a vote of confidence from the market in our company’s direction and ethos.”
Further information on the current opportunities within the Hampton Brook portfolio can be viewed at www.hamptonbrook.com or by telephoning 01604 233991.