By David Walker
David Walker Commercial
FOR the fourth consecutive year, David Walker Commercial have been the most prolific agent on the Corbygate Business Park. 2017 saw numerous office lettings and the occasional sale, where there is usually some competitive bidding.
Attractive offices at Adelaide House and Brisbane House have been let to expanding local companies, which has given the opportunity for some smaller office and studio units to be made available.
The 4,200 square foot former NITAL office with 20 car parking spaces has been let to expanding firm Thomson Broadbent, who were able to relinquish several smaller offices they occupied on the estate, and have retained David Walker for ongoing lettings. By January, both Cityfax and Corby IT had completed their moves onto the estate, but a further air conditioned office suite remains available, together with some two-room self-contained offices with rents starting from just £412.50 per month (£4,950 pa.)
Elsewhere, there have been recent lettings at Oakley Hay, where 700 to 2,000 square foot offices have been let at Oakley Hay Lodge and Ryder Court. A local photographer has also recently occupied converted stables in Middleton.
There is continued demand for freehold offices, as so little is put on the market. David Walker has, however, recently completed sales on the Headway Business Park and at Oakley Hay Lodge, and reports unfulfilled demand for similar freehold offices. Saxon House is now occupied by Buddies Pet Insurance, who made the short leap from Medlicott Way, whilst Elec Cert, who had been looking for premises for over a year moved over from Kettering. There were further unsuccessful bidders who are still looking for an opportunity to buy in the town.
In the industrial market, David Walker Commercial has just completed the sale of an 8,400 square foot factory on the St James Industrial Estate, which follows another sale of the former BB Motors workshop on St James Road near Tesco and Corby town centre. The turn around of St James since Tesco opened their doors is significant, turning a run down location into a vibrant estate, with owners having the confidence to invest on upgrading their property.
There continues to be a shortage of affordable commercial and industrial space in and around Corby, and with no small industrial units having been constructed during the last 15 years, there is a growing shortage. Prospective tenants expect there to be more choice than there usually is, and affordable factory and warehouse space is usually let straight away.
In locations such as Rutherford Courtyard, David Walker has let four workshops, with new tenants moving in as soon as they have been vacated.
David Walker has also handled some attractive neighbourhood shopping lettings on the edge of the town centre and one of the few open market sales to have taken place in Occupation Road, selling the Sure Security Locksmiths property due to the owner’s retirement. The property was bought by a local investor who retained David Walker Commercial in the letting.
So, 2018, like 2017, has started well, with positive signs for local business.
The only caution is the shortage of affordable property coming to the market, with David Walker Commercial, as always, looking for new marketing opportunities.
For more information, call 01536 771588, email or visit the website www.davidwalkercommercial.co.uk