Howden's and Screwfix deals boost trade park development
February 27, 2023
The development of a new trade park in Bedfordshire has been given a huge boost with units being taken by two major home improvement brands.
Kitchen specialists Howdens and Screwfix, the UK’s leading retailer of trade tools, hardware and accessories, have agreed leases on the two largest units at Biggleswade Trade Park. Howdens has taken a 7,276 sq ft unit while Screwfix has agreed a deal on a 7,513 sq ft unit.
Two further units have been pre-let which means 60% of the available space at the new development is now let or under offer. BED Electrical has agreed a letting on a 4,715 sq ft unit, while another national operator is in legals to occupy unit 5.
The 2.1-acre site – including a 26,625 sq ft detached unit, at Stratton Business Park, Normandy Lane - was acquired by property regeneration company Dunmoore last year. The redevelopment of the site includes converting the existing building into four units and constructing a further four trade counters.
Eamon Kennedy, head of commercial agency (group) at Kirkby Diamond in Luton, said: “After completing the sale of the site to Dunmoore on behalf of our client Jewers Doors we were then instructed by Dunmoore to market this exciting new trade park scheme.
“We expected a lot of interest and we have not been disappointed, with 60% of the available space now taken. To have secured these pre-lets, including Howdens and Screwfix – two of the biggest names in the trade sector – so soon after beginning to market the units clearly demonstrates the quality of the development and its first-class location.”
The conversion of the existing building is expected to be completed shortly, with construction of the four new units expected to begin shortly with practical completion anticipated in late autumn this year.
There is a total of eight trade counter units. The new trade park fronts both Normandy Lane and Pegasus Drive. Lettings have been agreed on three and another is under offer. Those remaining range in size from 4,337 sq ft to 4,434 sq ft.
The units benefit from open plan trading areas, level entry doors and good natural light. High profile occupiers nearby include Lidl, McDonalds, Travis Perkins, Homebase, Halfords and Pets at Home.
Stratton Business Park, which is close to the intersection of the A1 and the A6001 London Road, is in a key location for the agri-food sector. The A1 provides strategic access to the North and South via the M25 and A14. The business park is currently being extended with much larger logistics and production facilities being developed.
For more information please contact Eamon Kennedy on 07887 835815 or email eamon.kennedy@kirkbydiamond.co.uk, or Paul Quy on 07917 268653 or email paul.quy@kirkbydiamond.co.uk. Alfred Bartlett, of Ogle Property, is joint agent.