News: Plans in to replace call centre with industrial unit

A planning application has been submitted that would see a Rotherham call centre, purpose built less than 25 years ago, demolished and replaced by a new industrial unit.

Rothbiz reported in November that the future for Capita House at Brookfields Park was for it to be flattened.

The plans, on behalf of AM Ventures 6, involve the current 135,938 sq ft building demolished and replaced by a 204,000 sq ft high grade warehouse / logistics unit.

Capita has been a mainstay in the Manvers area, operating large contact centres with customers including O2, BMW, Transport for London, Thames Water, Southern Water, Halfords, William Hill, Npower and RSPCA.

With a small mezzanine on the first floor for ancillary offices, the new unit would include 15 dock level loading doors, six level access doors, 18 trailer parking spaces plus 133 car parking spaces.

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The plans, drawn up by DLA Architecture, explain: "The site is a brownfield in nature, currently occupied by a building known as Capita House, a large commercial building that was most recently used as a call centre. The previous tenant, Capita, have consolidated operations into their adjacent building, Capita Park, with Capita House being vacant and marketed for lease since May 2022."

Neelum Butt, representing AM Ventures 6, said: "We are delighted to have submitted our planning application and look forward to securing consent in due course. We are keen to replace the existing former call centre building on the site with a new high-specification distribution unit meeting the latest market requirements for both operational efficiency and ESG.”

Avison Young and Commercial Property Partners (CPP) are acting as marketing agents.  

 Rob Oliver, Principal at Avison Young, said: “This unit offers an excellent specification meeting occupier and fund requirements. Features include 15m clear haunch height, 15 dock and six ground level doors, a large 50m deep service yard with 18 trailer parking spaces and an existing power supply of 1400kva, which is higher than most competing units. With the increase in vehicle charging, together with potential automation or production in the unit, this enhanced power supply could be a significant attribute.”  

 Toby Vernon of CPP added: “We expect to gain vacant possession of the site in the next few months, and subject to securing the planning consent, would therefore expect to be able to deliver a unit ready for occupation in Q2 2024.” 

Images: DLA

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News: Deals secured at multimillion-pound Rotherham development

Network Space has secured two significant deals at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link development in Rotherham.

116,600 sq ft of prime industrial space across four high specunits are being built on the site of the former Laycast foundry that had been "sterilised" by previous HS2 proposals.

The first unit, which provides 48,900 sq ft has been snapped up by global company, nVent, which acquired Eldon Holding AB and will move its main UK operations site accross the borough from Hellaby to Woodhouse Link.

An online retail giant has also agreed a deal for unit 4, where work is set to complete in February on the 23,200 sq ft warehouse with integral office.

As a result, only one unit now remains at Woodhouse Link following last year’s letting of unit 3 to BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains Ltd. It is expected that all of the units will be let pre-completion as the remaining unit 2, which offers 13,200 sq ft of warehouse space, is already under offer.

Local construction company, Harris CM, is currently on-site and all of the units will be ready for occupation in spring 2022 when Woodhouse Link will be capable of fostering some 200 new jobs.

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Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, explains: “Securing a further two significant deals at Woodhouse Link prior to its completion is testament to the quality of space and the great location close to the M1, Sheffield and Rotherham. This, combined with the 24/7 access and wide range of permitted uses has led to strong enquiry levels and the final unit is already under offer.”

Woodhouse Link lies close to junctions 31 and 33 of the M1, to the east of Sheffield and on the south side of Rotherham, within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District and close to the Advanced Manufacturing Park at Waverley.

The development has planning permission for 24/7 operation and is suitable for manufacturing or distribution uses. The detached and self-contained units all provide secure storage yards and parking, 8 to 10 metre high eaves, integral offices and are designed to a high sustainability standard, including EV charging points, and to a BREEAM Very Good rating.

Avison Young and CPP are responsible for marketing the site. Colliers advised nVent on the acquisition of the property.

Rob Oliver, principal from Avison Young said: “We were delighted to agree and complete lettings on Units 1 and 4 prior to practical completion, and to attract to the scheme both a leading online retailer, and the relocation of a well-known local occupier.

“We had received strong interest in both units from other occupiers, as we did for Unit 2, prior to agreeing terms on it with the chosen party. We look forward to seeing construction complete shortly, and the estate fully occupied and functioning in the next few months.”

Ed Norris, Director at CCP said: “The latest deals announced at Woodhouse confirm the quality of the location and building on offer. It is fantastic to conclude these deals prior to practical completion of the units and gives confidence to the region.”

The Woodhouse Link project team includes DLA Architecture, Spawforths planners, Tetra Tech and CJR Midlands M&E engineers, Walker Sime QS and project management and Gateley legal.

nVent website
Network Space website

Images: Network Space

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News: Steps Residential Care sold to national group

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, has announced the sale of Steps Residential Care in Rotherham to Accrington-based healthcare provider, National Care Group (NCG).

Established in 1999, Steps Residential Care is a CQC registered care home in Kimberworth for people who require nursing or personal care for learning disabilities and physical disabilities. It employs 58 staff members and caters for a maximum of 26 service users. The business comprises a total of 26 single bedrooms spread across five adjacent properties which each have a dining room, a lounge, a modern kitchen with a breakfast and lounge area, and outdoor space.

Steps Residential Care was previously owned by Mrs Anna Brown, who decided to sell to pursue a well-earned retirement. Mrs Brown said: "Having spent a significant amount of my life dedicated to developing the services, individuals we support and staff, I felt the time was right to hand over the baton.

"I spent a long time looking for an organisation which, I felt, most closely mirrored the ethos and standards I have worked by but could take the organisation into the next chapter. When NCG approached me, I was pleased and comforted that Steps would be in safe hands to carry on the good work achieved over the last 22 years. I have found the NCG management and support teams attentive and professional, and I look forward to seeing Steps continue to thrive."

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The business has been purchased by NCG, an established provider of support services to vulnerable adults throughout the UK.

David Rowe-Bewick, Group Finance Director at NCG, said: "The acquisition of Steps Residential Care strengthens our presence in South Yorkshire and is an obvious fit with our own organisation as we look to extend our support services to an ever-increasing number of vulnerable people. As we look to the future, we remain focused on further expansion both from acquisitions and organic growth."

Julie Kitson, Director at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, added: "I am very pleased to have been instructed by Steps to help Anna and her family retire, and to assist NCG in their expansion plans. This deal demonstrates the appetite out there for care acquisitions."

Steps was sold off an asking price of £2.5m. Allied Irish Bank (GB) funded the acquisition. Avison Young provided both loan security advice and building condition surveys.

Images: Avison Young

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News: Plans in for historic Rotherham bank building

Cheque out these new plans for a former bank building in Rotherham town centre.

A planning application submitted to Rotherham Council indicates that the former RBS branch at the foot of the historic High Street has a new owner and proposals are coming forward for its reuse.

The freehold went up for sale with agents, Avison Young, at the start of 2019 with offers initially being invited in the region of £425,000. The price was recently reduced to £300,000 and is now off the market.

The application is for a change of use of part of ground floor from financial and professional services (A2) so that it can be used as a café or restaurant (A3).

Plans show how the former banking hall of around 2,500 sq ft could accommodate the new use.

The documents, from applicant, Zayan Developments, state that: "It is not possible at this stage to give detailed information since the Change of Use is generic until the applicant has secured a tenant."

"The assets are redundant, in poor repair and not in keeping with the quality of the main building.

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"The site is within a Conservation Area and the current position is that the building is vacant. The works will enhance the setting of the listed building. In future the applicant is to apply to change the use of the building into apartments and this will bring life into the town centre."

Rothbiz reported last year that the branch was one of 162 branch closures announced by the taxpayer-backed RBS Group after it decided that NatWest should become its primary customer facing brand in England and Wales, and Royal Bank of Scotland its core brand in Scotland.

1 - 9 High Street has its history in the Sheffield & Rotherham Joint Stock Banking Co Ltd which was a past constituent of RBS. The bank was established in 1792 by famous Rotherham steelmakers, the Walker brothers; along with Vincent Eyre, agent of the Duke of Norfolk (the principal landowner in the area); and William Stanley, a local businessman described as a "gentleman well-known and much respected at Rotherham."

The Grade II listed building was built in 1892 possibly on the site of the "OLD BANK / FOUNDED 1792" as the sign above the doorway reads. The impressive building is notable for its polished granite columns.

Images: Avison Young

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News: Rotherham's "Old Bank" up for sale

A big balance is required for anyone willing to take on a bank job in Rotherham town centre.

Rothbiz reported last year that the Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) branch was one of 162 branch closures announced by the taxpayer-backed group after it decided that NatWest should become its primary customer facing brand in England and Wales, and Royal Bank of Scotland its core brand in Scotland.

The group, which has also recently closed its Swallownest and Wickersley branches, vacated the town centre in November.

Now, agents at Avison Young (the real estate company formerly known as GVA) have been drafted in to sell the prominent 11,324 sq ft property.

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The property at the foot of the High Street extends over basement (complete with strongroom), ground, first and second floors and comes with ten parking spaces at the rear.

With the freehold up for sale, offers are being invited in the region of £425,000.

The agents believe that the premises are suitable for A3 planning uses (Cafes and Restaurants) and A4 (Drinking Establishments), subject to securing planning permission.

1 - 9 High Street has its history in the Sheffield & Rotherham Joint Stock Banking Co Ltd which was a past constituent of RBS. The bank was established in 1792 by famous Rotherham steelmakers, the Walker brothers; along with Vincent Eyre, agent of the Duke of Norfolk (the principal landowner in the area); and William Stanley, a local businessman described as a "gentleman well-known and much respected at Rotherham."

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The bank renamed Walkers & Stanley in 1829 and in 1836 the business was sold for £27,000 to a new joint-stock company, Sheffield & Rotherham Joint Stock Banking Co. The bank grew rapidly but the business was not without problems. Major accounting deficiencies were discovered during the 1840s and bad debts soared during the local commercial depression of the late 1870s.

In 1907, with a paid-up capital of £256,000, the bank was acquired by Williams Deacon's Bank Ltd of London and Manchester. This was later acquired by RBS.

The Grade II listed building was built in 1892 possibly on the site of the "OLD BANK / FOUNDED 1792" as the sign above the doorway reads. The impressive building is notable for its polished granite columns.

Images: Avison Young

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