News: Burgess Commercial becomes chamber patron

Rotherham's only chartered surveying practice to deal exclusively with commercial property is celebrating 10 years in business by becoming a patron of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber – the highest level of membership available.

Founded in January 2009 by Paul Burgess and Neil Keally at the height of the global financial crisis, the experienced surveyors drew on their extensive knowledge of the commercial property market to provide a comprehensive range of commercial property services including overseeing sales, leases, property management, rent reviews and valuations, aimed specifically at the South Yorkshire market.

Today, Burgess Commercial boasts a client base spanning across the UK and is responsible for managing a range of business parks throughout the Rotherham Borough. The company handles approximately 75% of all commercial property transactions within the Rotherham Borough.

Over the past decade the company has been responsible for brokering some key property deals within the Borough, including securing the vital land needed to secure Rotherham United's return to their home town and the creation of the New York Stadium.

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Neil Keally, director at Burgess Commercial (pictured, left), said: "At the time we launched the business, the property bubble had well and truly burst, the banks were being bailed out and Britain was facing its most serious recession since the 1930s. We knew from the outset that it was a difficult time to launch a new business, but throughout our business journey we've worked closely with the Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber and felt we were well positioned to help others access specialist commercial property advice. We are looking forward to working with clients old and new as we continue to grow our business model.

"Today, Rotherham's economy is outperforming many other areas of the Sheffield city region and the UK. I would like to think that we have played a small part in that success story by helping business owners access the vital premises needed to fuel their growth aspirations. We felt becoming a Patron of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber was a fitting way of celebrating the tenth anniversary of our business."

Shane Young, membership manager at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber (pictured, right), added: "For the past decade Burgess Commercial has played a key role in contributing to the local economy and becoming a Chamber Patron is a reflection of the commitment the company has made towards investing in and supporting the local economy.

"The company has played an active role in Chamber activities since it first opened for business and as a member of our representation council, Neil has drawn on his wealth of knowledge and expertise to support others by helping business owners source the right premises at the right time."

Burgess Commercial is the second Patron to join Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber this year and the number of patrons has increased to 18.

Burgess Commercial website
Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber website

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News: Resi plans for Rotherham college building

A former college building close to Wath town centre could be converted into apartments under new plans submitted to Rotherham Council.

The freehold of The Rockingham Centre was recently put up for sale and the new proposals include 28 residential apartments.

Dearne Valley College identified the 5,611 sq ft building as surplus to requirements and the centre is currently vacant. It is thought that the building closed as an efficiency measure with the facilities transferred to the college's Manvers site.

Empire Property Concepts Ltd has now submitted a planning application for a change of use of the building. The plans state: "The conversion will provide 25 x one bed apartments and 3 x two-bedroom apartments. The existing car park to the front of the Rockingham Centre will be rationalised to create ten standard car parking spaces plus one disabled space. Provision is also made for a cycle store in the lower ground floor area.

"The existing soft landscaping at the frontage of the building will be retained and additional new soft and hard landscaping will be provided to the frontage and side of the existing building."

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Planned external alterations include new windows and replacing all of the existing windows.

The site, which sits alongside Montomery Hall, is allocated as a community facility and planning policies state that sites can only be considered for reuse where there is no proven need for the facility. Plans also show that a marketing exercise has been undertaken for the property for the required 12-month period and that there was no interest in the building for a community facility.

Leading Rotherham commercial property agents, Burgess Commercial, acted on behalf of the owners, Rotherham Council, to agree the sale. It was given a guide price of £295,000.

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Rockingham College of Further Education opened as a college of further education in 1976. It has its origins in a mechanics' institute which later became an adult education institute.

In 1996, it was renamed Dearne Valley College and was largely relocated to a new multimillion pound building in nearby Manvers. The Wath centre previously provided for catering and for students with learning difficulties.

The site is close to Wath Hall, which is also being disposed of by Rotherham Council.

Fernie Greaves is currently marketing another nearby property - Wath Trinity Church and Cottage. The freehold is being offered for development at £200,000 and the property, which is understood to date back to 1903, provides some 3,730 sq ft of space.

Images: Burgess Commercial

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News: Children's home plan for former Rotherham prep school

A children's home operator has applied to convert part of a former prep school in Rotherham back in to education use.

Rudston Preparatory School on Broom Road closed in 2015 due to a decline in pupil numbers.

Now a planning application has been submitted on behalf of Leicester-based Happy Education to change the use to planning class D1 - non-residential institutions.

The sale of the prep school at 59, 61 and 63 Broom Road, well-known to many local people in the town, was completed in 2016 after being marketed by Rotherham commercial property agents, Burgess Commercial. It followed significant interest and the property was sold to a private local purchaser for owner-occupation as a dwelling.

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Rotherham Council approved an application to change the use for 59 Broom Road to residential in 2015.

Applicant for the latest proposal, Ranjit Bains, stated in the application that number 59 was originally a school for young people. Then converted to a residential dwelling. "Our request is for change of use back to a school provision to teach up to 15 young people. There is plenty of parking at rear of the site [and] ample playing area."

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Happy Children's Homes Limited currently operates a children's home in Leicester which was rated Good by OFSTED in 2017. The family style home is registered to provide care and accommodation up to three children and young people who have emotional and/or behavioural difficulties.

Rudston Preparatory School was founded in 1948, with only 48 pupils on roll. The main school was in one of the original houses, although it grew considerably since then to occupy three houses and other, purpose built additions, in the residential area.

Happy Children's Homes website

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News: New premises for Functional Fitness

Functional Fitness and its team of exercise specialists have taken on additional premises in Rotherham.

In addition to offering personal training and support for its gym users, Functional Fitness is playing a key role in the Rotherham "Active for Health" Research Project which aims to increase the physical activity of patients' with long term conditions.

With its first centre at Swinton, the gym operator has now taken on Unit 2, The Galax on Fitzwilliam Road at Eastwood. The property comprises some 7,084 sq ft of warehouse and office accommodation which has been let to Functional Fitness as part of their continued expansion.

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The letting was secured by Burgess Commercial, the Rotherham-based agents who provides a range of services including valuations, sales and letting, and property management, plus expert guidance on rent reviews, business rates, dispute resolution, compulsory purchase and compensation.

Functional Fitness are exercise specialists, delivering high quality physical activity and exercise which ranges from personal training to specialists in long-term illness and health related conditions. As part of Active for Health, Functional Fitness work in partnership with NHS Rotherham, Rotherham Borough Council, The Centre for Sport and Exercise and Sheffield Hallam University.

Active for Health offers specialist physical activity referral pathways for people with cancer, heart disease, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and back pain. The programme encourages active lifestyles in the long term identifying how physical activity can contribute to the recovery from a health condition.

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Following referrals from rehabilitation or health professionals, patients undertake a 12 week free programme of exercise, tailored to their condition. Group sessions are delivered by specialist exercise professionals with individualised programmes to improve patients recovery.

Functional Fitness is now working on tailored sport and exercise programmes with other parnters including The MS Society and the Rotherham Institute for Obesity (RIO).

Functional Fitness website
Burgess Commercial website

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News: HCA backs Rotherham town centre housing scheme

A disused office building in Rotherham town centre is set for a new lease of life as developers secure a loan from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Plans to convert 14 - 16 Ship Hill into 13 flats were approved by the Council earlier this year. Now Maya Property Developments has secured the backing from the HCA that will enable the works to be carried out.

The HCA is the Government's housing, land and regeneration agency, and the regulator of social housing providers in England. The £3 billion Home Building Fund is Government finance to increase the number of new homes being built in England.

Maya Property Developments is a new SME developer which is looking to build up a rental property portfolio in the north of England.

The 1,754 sq ft property, previously home to Morthyng Training in the professional services area of the town, was sold for an undisclosed sum by Rotherham's leading commercial property agents, Burgess Commercial, in 2016.

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A spokesperson for the HCA, said: "The loan investment will unlock the supply of 13 new apartments in a former office building located in Ship Hill, central Rotherham and will support wider regeneration of the local area. This development brings a modern rental product to central Rotherham which is being aimed at young professionals."

"This development represents a clear example of the kind of scheme that The Home Building Fund seeks to support and we look forward to building our relationship with Maya Property Developments to support them in their future activities."

The deal pre-empted the publication of the new Rotherham town centre masterplan that places a greater emphasis on town centre living and leisure, as opposed to traditional retail uses. Town centre living is seen as critical to sustaining the long term health of the town centre and is important in achieving around the clock vitality and vibrancy and Rotherham Council has identified that the town centre has the land available to deliver 2,000 new homes.

A conversion of a former Norton Finance office on Mansfield Road into flats was one of the more recent housing projects in the town. Plans have been approved or submitted for residential uses in buildings on Moorgate Street and Wellgate, and a £10m scheme is progressing for a courtyard residential development with vibrant retail, leisure, and hospitality space at Westgate Chambers.

A further £32m funding via the HCA was secured by Rotherham Council from the Government's £1.2 billion Starter Homes Land Fund.

HCA website

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News: NYS to become Trust's training ground

The award-winning Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST) is set to develop the skills of future prospects from a new state of the art facility at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The Trust is relocating from Mangham House on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate which has been its home ever since the club's departure from Millmoor in 2008.

Opened on site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry on the edge of Rotherham town centre in 2012, the £20m stadium was built with a number of units and space for commercial and community uses and to host a variety of events.

The Community Sports Trust already utilises the stadium for a wide variety of its initiatives. These include activities that promote health and well-being, health screening and job clubs. It was recently nominated for the Johnstone's Paint Community Club of the Year at the Football League Awards, the award it won back in 2012.

RUCST delivers BTEC Level 2 & 3, Apprenticeships, Foundation Degree and alternative education programmes. The move has been planned for the last couple of years, but with approval earlier in the year for 7,000 sq ft of space in the West stand to be used for education purposes, work has been in full swing.

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The new facility will extend over three floors. Three classrooms for educational provision will have the latest educational equipment enabling the students to study to their full potential.

A health / activity floor will have two reaction walls, gym equipment such as kettle bells, vipr bars and medicine balls. Along with this, it will have multi-functional gym exercise equipment, sprung floor and a mirrored wall for dance sessions.

Office space will include 17 desks to accommodate both RCUST staff and community coaches in a hot desk style along with meeting areas and kitchen facilities.

Jamie Noble, head of community at RUCST, said: "2016/17 will be a fantastic year for everyone at the trust, being in the stadium with the club is a huge step in the right direction and it can only improve the fantastic work we are already doing. Not only will this facility provide an amazing place for our staff to work, it will offer the community new facility to partake in our provision.

"Rotherham United Community Sports Trust would like to thank Mears Group (Rotherham) for their continued support throughout the planning and building of this fantastic facility, without their help this would not have been possible."

Also in the West stand, 8,800 sq ft over four floors has been kitted out with project bays and classrooms for Mears Learning. Mears, the UK's leading provider of social housing repairs and maintenance services, maintains council properties in the borough. Taking on Full Circle Learning Limited and with facilities on Thames Street, the new Mears training centre is at the stadium where it sponsors the South stand.

Paul Burgess of Burgess Commercial, acting on behalf of the landlord, R U Estates, said: "We are delighted to conclude the letting of accommodation to the Trust after many months of discussions. The presence of the Trust will undoubtedly add to the vibrancy of the stadium and also enable their good work, to continue."

Recent lettings within the New York Stadium include 8,848 sq ft of office and training accommodation to Mears and 2,200 sq ft to the TTC Group.

Plans, submitted by Signet Planning on behalf of RU Estates Ltd, stated: "Since its opening in 2012, our client has continually sought to attract proposals for non-football related activities within the stadium complex in order to improve its viability and to encourage a wider range of uses..., the objective being to make the stadium a more integral part of Rotherham rather than just having it being used on matchdays."

RUCST website
Burgess Commercial website

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News: Sutton McGrath Hartley open new office in Rotherham town centre

Sutton McGrath Hartley, the growing firm of chartered accountants and tax advisers, has opened a new office in Rotherham town centre.

The firm, which spans South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire, has a core business of accountancy and taxation services, but also employs lawyers and financial advisers. It helps clients across all stages of their development, through business acquisitions, strategic planning, financial forecasting, accessing finance for business growth or developing a suitable exit strategy.

David Sutton, managing partner at Sutton McGrath Hartley (pictured, left), said: "For the past few years we had been developing our "full service" offering, so that our clients don't have to go out to multiple firms when they need professional advice on complex interrelated financial matters. The aim is to cut the risk of mistakes and oversight that arise when professionals from different firms don’t communicate effectively. This reduces our clients' costs whilst optimising their financial outcomes.

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"For example, a business owner might traditionally have used one firm for accountancy & tax services, another for legal advice, and yet another for financial planning. The accountants might have been more involved on the business side of things, the financial planners with the owner's personal affairs, and the lawyers only on an ad hoc basis. The fact that they worked in different offices and had different agendas could result in duplicated time & fees and/or conflicting advice, either of which is bad for the client.

"We have circumvented this problem by employing all the professionals we need under one roof, thus ensuring a ‘joined up’ approach. We employ Chartered Accountants, Chartered Tax Advisers, Financial Planners, Lawyers, and Trust & Estate practitioners; our staff are therefore the most highly qualified and experienced professionals there are in these fields. Furthermore, they all work closely together & have possessions of all the facts, so we can guarantee that our clients receive best advice from all perspectives.

"Our Sheffield and Chesterfield offices are proof that this approach works, and we are now keen to provide the same level of service in Rotherham which has a vibrant business community which we need to play a bigger part in. As a firm we are now rivalling the larger independent firms in the region and having a physical presence in the main towns in the region is an essential part of our growth strategy."

The new Rotherham office is at 12 The Crofts, in the financial and professional services district around the Town Hall.

Last year, property agents, Burgess Commercial secured the successful disposal of the freehold of two stone-fronted office buildings, previously occupied by the chamber of commerce, known as 11 and 12 The Crofts. It was acquired by Davison Property Investments, a privately held, Sheffield-based investment group with a wide portfolio.

Kate Wilkinson, a partner in the Rotherham office (pictured, centre), said: "Opening a multi service office in Rotherham was the obvious next step for the firm. It allows us to be closer to our existing Rotherham based clients who will be able to tap into the full range of services on offer at Sutton McGrath Hartley but also to build on this and attract new business from the area.

"There aren't many accountancy practices in Rotherham of our size which offer a complete range of services like we do, so we are bringing added expertise as well as a first class personal service to the town."

Sutton McGrath Hartley website

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News: Mark Jenkinson & Son tops region's results

Sales of more than £27m has seen Mark Jenkinson and Son record the best results in the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber for 2015, according to the latest industry research.

Mark Jenkinson and Son, which has offices in Sheffield and Chesterfield, beat off competition from more than 20 other individual auctioneers across the region with sales of £27,244,850 – more than £7.5m than the auctioneer ranked in second place.

The research by Essential Information Group (EIG), which analyses UK-wide auction data and is recognised as the industry standard, found Mark Jenkinson and Son also sold the most lots between January and December last year – 298 compared with the 248 of the firm's nearest rival.

Rotherham commercial properties going under the hammer with the auctioneers included the former bank premises on Broad Street, Parkgate which sold for £55,000 and has been converted into a pool hall.

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Clifton Court, a Victorian building on Doncaster Gate (pictured) that was used as offices and previously owned by Rotherham Council, sold for £217,000 in February from a guide price of £125,000.

In September, the 1,800 sq ft offices at Milton House on Sheffield Road sold for £155,500. Burgess Commercial has since secured a deal with Enable Rail Academy that has seen the training provider take space to offer a wide range of railway industry training courses.

Adrian Little, head of the auction department at Mark Jenkinson and Son, said: "To have the sold most lots or generated the highest sales would each be wonderful accomplishments in themselves, so to be ranked so highly in both categories is doubly pleasing and a really significant achievement for us.

"EIG analyse all auction data and are held in high regard amongst the country's auctioneers so we are thrilled to be recognised as the top ranking individual auctioneer for sales in Yorkshire and the Humber.

"It means we have kicked off the New Year on a high and, as we are one of very few firms to hold auctions in January, we are looking forward to continuing and building on this momentum throughout 2016."

In the first auction of 2016, the historic building at 26 Moorgate Street in Rotherham town centre sold for £92,000. The flood-damaged former offices was sold a year previous and has planning permission to be converted into residential.

Mark Jenkinson & Son website

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News: Burgess Commercial report on Rotherham commercial property market

The commercial property market in Rotherham has been another very challenging, but positive year, report Burgess Commercial, who have been established in the town for seven years now.

Paul Burgess and Neil Keally set up the Tembleborough office to offer their expertise in sales, lettings, valuations and professional work in respect of all types of commercial property including property management.

In 2015 Burgess Commercial has sold or let 40,231 sq ft of offices in Rotherham.

In Rotherham town centre, Burgess were involved in the sale of South Terrace, the previous offices of Allotts Accountants, to local investors. In the heart of Rotherham's professional district, it follows on from their successful disposal of the freehold of two stone-fronted office buildings, previously occupied by the chamber of commerce, known as 11 and 12 The Crofts. Again to local investors, the site totalling approximately 3,000 sq ft is now available for rent.

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Women's refuge charity, Rotherham Rise, worked with Burgess to lease 5,858 sq ft of space at 22 Main Street - the former post office (pictured), and on the edge of the town centre, Milton House, the previous home to the Lifeline charity, was sold at auction for £155,500 in September. Burgess Commercial has since secured a deal with Enable Rail Academy that has seen the training provider take 1,605 sq ft of space to offer a wide range of railway industry training courses.

One deal close to completion is the disposal of Norton House, the 12,563 sq ft office building previously used by Norton Finance in Rotherham town centre. The sale of the freehold has been agreed.

In the Dearne Valley, Burgess reports that Crisis UK, the national charity for single homeless people, has agreed terms for 3,545 sq ft of office space at Concept Court in Manvers.

Burgess Commercial continues to act as managing and letting agent at Bolton Road Business Park where 37 units are let to small and medium sized businesses. Owned by Rotherham Enterprise Agency Ltd, it has been fully occupied through the past year with just one unit available at present. The agents believe that the demand is coming from individuals and small businesses emerging from the recession.

For the retail sector, the experts report that some areas of Rotherham town centre have experienced a downturn in footfall, with areas such as Corporation Street and the Riverside Precinct down as much as 75% since the relocation of Tesco. Neil Keally, director of Burgess Commercial, added: "The High Street has befitted from much needed investment and grant assistance, with new retailers now enjoying a much improved street scene and quality of retail space available."

Burgess Commercial website

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News: Northfield Industrial Estate acquired

Northfield Industrial Estate, a 45,000 sq ft industrial estate in Rotherham has been snapped up by a London-based property group for an undisclosed sum.

On the edge of the town centre, the six unit development houses global company Bodycote Heat Treatments, established local business Main Street Interiors and Rotherham Council.

Based in an established industrial area close to Greasborough Road, occupancy rates are high – with just one 7,500 sq ft unit available to let which has been advertised with Burgess Commercial. The new owners said that they will actively asset manage and invest in refurbishment where required.

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Stuart Waite, associate director at Innes England, handled the deal which he says is indicative of investors looking further afield to source opportunities which generate higher returns. He said: "Northfield was an attractive prospect for a number of reasons. Its low capital value and scope for rental growth means the purchasers will benefit from an attractive initial return, and there is the potential to add value through active asset management.

"Over recent months we have seen a marked increase in private and institutional wealth filtering out of the capital and into the regions where there is perceived value compared with that in London and its surrounds. Pioneer Real Estate continues to build its portfolio of assets and we are seeking to assist in the expansion of the portfolio.

"Within the industrial sector there are very few opportunities to acquire assets generating an attractive initial return on capital deployed and we are delighted to have acquired this on behalf of our client who has the required capital and expertise to fully realise the potential of the asset."

Innes England website

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News: Key Rotherham buildings set for sale

Two Rotherham town centre sites that were once key to the council's riverside regeneration aspirations, are set to be sold off.

The former NatWest bank branch on Corporation Street has hit the market and the council is close to concluding a deal to dispose of Westgate Chambers.

Part of the taxpayer-owned Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc, the NatWest branch closed in September 2014 and now the stone building in an Edwardian Classical style is up for sale with agents, DTZ.

The freehold of the 8,490 sq ft, three floor property has been given a guide price of £225,000.

In 2008, with the Rotherham Renaissance regeneration programme in full swing, negotiations were concluded and NatWest had recommended to its board that the Corporation Street building should be sold to Rotherham Council. It would have been added to its portfolio of strategic acquisitions in the area, that also includes the adjacent Lloyd's bank. By 2009, and the onset of the banking crisis, NatWest reneged on a proposed move into the commercial unit in the Old Market building and the council's acquisition was off.

Last year, the cabinet at Rotherham Council agreed plans to put Westgate Chambers onto the market to "seek developer interest for a predominantly residential development." It was advertised as a regeneration / development opportunity with "offers sought for a residential led scheme with an active commercial ground floor of retail / leisure / restaurant or similar."

Commissioner Julie Kenny has now made the "minded to" decision to allow the council to negotiate and conclude the sale of Westgate Chambers to an unnamed proposed purchaser.

Acquired in 2006, the reduction in available funding meant that initial plans for the refurbishment of Westgate Chambers, stalled. The plans had aimed to deliver around 60 high-quality apartments with commercial units underneath. An application to the National Heritage Memorial Fund by the council for a £1.9m project based on the Grade 2 listed buildings that made up John Platt's house on the site, was rejected.

Last month, Commissioner Kenny was minded to defer consideration of a report on Forge Island, another key regeneration site. The council owned site at Doncaster Gate, where the authority demolished the Victorian hospital, is set to be sold off in the 2015/16 financial year.

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Across town, commercial property agents, Burgess Commercial has been involved in the sale of two stone-fronted office buildings in the heart of Rotherham's professional district, known as 11 and 12 The Crofts, totalling approximately 3,000 sq ft. The adjacent property at 14 and 15 The Crofts went unsold at Pugh Auctions in February from a guide price of £250,000.

The Rotherham-based agents have also agreed terms on Rotherham's original Post Office at 22 Main Street which totals almost 6,000 sq ft.

At the Moorgate end of town, Burgess has secured the letting of 2,600 sq ft of Grade-A office space at Stewart House on South Grove, to CTS, the learning provider that specialises in helping to get unemployed people back in to work, as it centralises and consolidates its operation in this Rotherham branch.

Also at Moorgate, agents at Fernie Greaves have recently started marketing the site of Moorgate House for £600,000. The development site extends to just over an acre and was earmarked for residential accommodation. In 2009, Rotherham's Horbury Group cleared the site, which has planning consent for two blocks of apartments.

Situated within a conservation area, the original Victorian façade of Moorgate House remains. Having been most recently used as offices for Unison, the North and West façades of the original villa were to be incorporated into the housing scheme.

Burgess Commercial website

Images: Tom Austen / DTZ

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News: Howard Building sold

The Howard Building, the prominent former college building in Rotherham town centre, has been sold prior to going to auction next week.

A buyer swooped for the property, that was being sold as a development opportunity and given a guide price of £250,000, after local auctioneers, Mark Jenkinson & son reported that "the clients [RCAT] are mindful to sell prior to auction having already received a good level of interest."

Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT) first put the four storey, 58,000 sq ft building up for sale in 2012 with Rotherham Council acting as marketing agents but there wasn't any takers.

The site was due to go under the hammer on September 16, being sold freehold with vacant possession and was advertised as having potential for alternative uses subject to planning permission which could include office, retail, hotel and residential use.

At Doncaster Gate, the site of the town's first hospital, demolition work is nearly complete and the council, as owner, is set to begin a further formal marketing process commencing when the site is cleared. Any proposals submitted to the Council at the end of the marketing exercise would be brought forward for its Cabinet to consider, before the site was finally sold.

Across town, local commercial property firm, Burgess Commercial, has been instructed to sell the freehold of Norton House, the 12,500 sq ft, three storey office block previously used by Norton Finance before staff moved into nearby Portland House. It is up for sale for offers around £495,000.

Out of the town centre, the home of electronic retailers Maplin, is up for sale again as an investment. Just last year, an unnamed UK investor purchased Maplin's head office and distribution warehouse at Brookfields Park in Manvers for £11.5m.

The retailer sells a range of 15,000 products to tech-savvy hobbyists as well as general consumers through a popular website and a network of over 200 retail outlets throughout the UK and Ireland.

Maplin, which was recently sold to Rutland Partners for £85m, moved to a 220,000 sq ft state of the art distribution centre and head office at Manvers in 2008. Maplin originally signed a 15 year lease from December 2007 but then agreed to a ten year extension in 2013.

Sheffield's Commercial Property Partners is advertising the property with offers sought in excess of £14.6m, reflecting a net initial yield of 6.50%.

Other commercial property recently put up for sale in Rotherham are Units 2 and 3 at the popular Ignite development at Magna (available for £2.275m) and Canklow House, the home of petrol forecourt developer, MSSR, before it fell into administration earlier this year.

Mark Jenkinson & son website

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News: Good year for Burgess Commercial

Rotherham's only firm of chartered surveyors, Burgess Commercial, has reported an increase in enquiries that could signal that the local commercial property market has turned a corner.

Paul Burgess and Neil Keally set up the Tembleborough office to offer their expertise in sales, lettings, valuations and professional work in respect of all types of commercial property including property management.


Recent deals include the sale of a hybrid unit at Genesis Business Park at Templeborough, Rotherham, and increasing the occupancy level of an industrial estate from 16% to 73% at Oakleaf Court in Rossington, Doncaster. In Sheffield, Burgess Commercial has handled a number of instructions including most recently agreeing a sale of The Orchard Centre off Westbar Green, adjacent to the new Hilton Hotel.

Paul Burgess, director of Burgess Commercial, said: "It's been a good year for us so far. The commercial property sector does seem to have started to turn a corner. There are still challenges ahead of us, but we are very encouraged by the significant increase in enquiries and the number of lettings and sales we have completed this year. We are optimistic for the future."

Fellow director Neil Keally added: "Many client's come to us because they know we're very familiar with the local commercial property market and can give them the most accurate and relevant information and advice. As a firm, we're small enough to give our clients individual attention, but large enough to be able to handle region-wide or nationwide projects."

The company has seen an expansion of its commercial property management department over the past 12 months, which has seen them working with an even wider range of property owners and managers than ever before. The client base has expanded geographically too, with clients as far afield as North Yorkshire, down to Gloucestershire.

Paul added: "We give our customers peace of mind, by ensuring their properties are compliant with the terms of the lease, as well as carrying out rent reviews and lease renewals. It's a really important area of our business and one where we see major opportunities for growth."

Burgess Commercial website

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News: Third of stadium commercial space under offer

A third of the high specification lettable space at Rotherham United's New York Stadium is under offer, according to letting agents, Burgess Commercial.

The £20m development, which opened this season and has attracted crowds averaging 8,000, is on the site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry, close to Rotherham town centre.

With around 3,000 sq m of commercial space inside the ground, updated plans were recently submitted that would open up the space to a range of uses. A gym operator is close to being announced with a 600 sq m health and fitness centre earmarked for the corner of the North and main West stand including a mezzanine level.

Paul Burgess, director of Burgess Commercial, said: "The stadium scheme represents in our opinion the highest profile scheme which has taken place in Rotherham for many years and we are proud to be associated with it.

"We have received a lot of interest in the units here, with over a third of the accommodation under offer and we are in discussions with other parties for further lettings to be secured. This is particularly encouraging as the stadium has only recently been completed.

"Having overseen the acquisition of the land for the stadium some two years ago, it is great for our efforts to be acknowledged by being appointed to market these prestigious and iconic units."

Burgess Commercial is Rotherham's only firm of chartered surveyors, and recently celebrated their fourth anniversary. Paul Burgess and Neil Keally set up the Tembleborough office to offer their expertise in sales, lettings, valuations and professional work in respect of all types of commercial property including property management.

Over the past 12 months, Burgess has acted as agents in a number of prestigious sales and lettings, including the sale of prime development land at Bradmarsh Business Park, securing lettings of modern office accommodation at Enterprise Court in Manvers and also agreeing terms for the lease of approximately 12,000 sq ft of a former call centre/office within the Dearne Valley.

The company has also negotiated a dilapidations claim at the Tanyard Shopping Centre on behalf of an outgoing tenant and negotiated the sale of the former Canklow Hotel in Rotherham which is now being developed as a KFC drive-through.

Neil Keally, director at Burgess Commercial, said: "We started the business at a pretty tough time for the property sector, but we have seen continued growth year on year.

"Our ethos has always been to give the best possible service and this has led to retaining longstanding relationships with clients and securing regular repeat business. It is still a challenging property market, which is why it is so important to choose an agent with the right local knowledge and experience."

Burgess Commercial website

Rotherham United website

Images: themillers.co.uk

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News: New York Stadium open for business

Rotherham United has begun marketing the retail, office and community space within the New York Stadium by appointing Rotherham's only firm of chartered surveyors, Burgess Commercial.

Located on the site of the old Guest and Chrimes factory close to Rotherham town centre, the 12,000 seater stadium will also include 30,000 sq ft of high specification lettable space, available from July 2012.

Karen Thomas, finance director at Rotherham United FC, said: "We have worked with Burgess Commercial for a number of years and have been impressed with their proactive approach and the high level of customer service they offer.

"As a member of Rotherham's business community, the company is also ideally placed to promote the benefits of this location to companies from across the region. We aim to attract new employers into the town so that the stadium provides a real boost to the local economy."

Based at Templeborough, Burgess Commercial worked with the club on the purchase of 4.5 acres of land needed for the stadium.

The landmark £20m community stadium is set to become a hub of activity throughout the week. Subject to planning approval, as well as retail and office space, the complex is due to include a gym, hotel and a pub. Through The 1925 Club, the stadium has also been designed to include exhibition and banqueting spaces for 400 corporate guests.

As well as offering a unique opportunity to be located within a football stadium, the site also has on-site parking and is close to the revamped, Rotherham Central train station.

Paul Burgess, director of Burgess Commercial, said: "We are delighted to have been chosen as the letting agent for what will be some of the best located retail units and offices in South Yorkshire. The New York Stadium will be an iconic building within South Yorkshire and is already creating a tremendous buzz of excitement in the area. We are expecting lots of interest from businesses seeking modern facilities close to the town centre."

Rotherham United website

Burgess Commercial website

Images: Rotherham United

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News: Torrent Trackside expand Rotherham operation

Torrent Trackside, a company which supplies specialist equipment and machinery to the railway maintenance industry has moved its Rotherham depot to larger premises.

In a letting arranged by Rotherham commercial property agents, Burgess Commercial, the company has taken a new lease on a 13,000 sq ft light industrial unit at the Meadowbank Industrial Estate moving its operation from a smaller unit on nearby Masbrough Street.

The Staffordshire company has seven centres across the UK and provides a range of services to the railway maintenance industry including plant hire and staff training.

Paul Collier, manager of the Rotherham depot for Torrent Trackside, said: "The increasing growth of our business meant we were looking to move to larger premises. We chose to work with Burgess Commercial of Rotherham, who are specialists in industrial lettings, and helped us to secure this unit, which is ideally suited to our purposes.

"It has two trailer-height doors which will enable us to separate the equipment coming in from that going out, increasing the efficiency of our operation.

"The location also provides excellent access to the motorway system, which is important in minimising the time it takes to transport the machinery out to customers."

Neil Keally, director of Burgess Commercial, added: "It is always good to be able to work with national businesses like Torrent Trackside that are choosing to expand their South Yorkshire operations.

"We were very pleased to assist them in finding premises which would enable them to achieve the ideal operating environment for the movement of specialist hire equipment.

"This high specification unit also offers modern office facilities that reflect the aspirations of this successful, growing business. Torrent Trackside will also benefit from Meadowbank Industrial Estate's location which gives easy access to the motorway network via Junctions 33, 34 and 35 of the M1."

Torrent Trackside website
Burgess Commercial website

Images: Burgess Commercial

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News: Handelsbanken moves into Rotherham offices

Handelsbanken, one of Sweden's leading banks, has moved into its new branch in Rotherham town centre, taking space at The Crofts.

Founded in Stockholm in 1871, the bank has over 700 branches. They moved into the UK market in the early 80's and operations are run as a regional bank based on the same decentralised principles as the Nordic branch operations.

The bank contacted Rotherham commercial property agents Burgess Commercial to seek their help in finding suitable premises for offering their bespoke financial services to businesses and high net worth individuals.

Mike Harrison, branch manager at Handelsbanken in Rotherham, said: "Having worked for Handelsbanken for over ten years, I am delighted to be opening a new branch in Rotherham and firmly believe that having a local presence will allow us to get a better understanding of our clients' needs and in turn provide them with an excellent bespoke service and a long term relationship.

"My team of four have now moved into our new office at 10 The Crofts and we are delighted with the major refurbishment that we have undertaken."

Based in Rotherham's financial and legal district, the latest branch adds to the network of more than 100 throughout the UK. The two-storey building comes complete with its own private car park for staff and customers.

Neil Keally, director of Burgess Commercial, said: "We are really pleased to have helped Handelsbanken to secure these premises where they are sure to be a great asset to the business community."

Fowler Sandford Chartered Surveyors based in Sheffield acted on behalf of Handelsbanken for 10 The Crofts.

James Bruce, associate at Fowler Sandford, said: "It is great to have such a positive banking story and having Handelsbanken so accessible is really good news for the business community of Rotherham.

"This move has resulted in a superb redevelopment and regeneration of an old gem of a building. Now the full refurbishment programme has been completed, the offices offer a modern work space, whilst much of the historic character of the building has been retained."

Handelsbanken website
Burgess Commercial website

Images: Burgess Commercial

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News: Enviro Thaw ready to grow from new Rotherham premises

Whilst many of us have be enjoying the last days of summer, Rotherham-based Enviro Thaw has been stocking up at their new Rotherham premises ready for another harsh winter.

The rapidly-growing company recently moved to the Northfield Industrial Estate after leasing a unit through Rotherham property consultants Burgess Commercial.

Enviro Thaw holds the European distribution rights for the product that is commonly used to combat the effects of snow and ice throughout China and Asia. The granuler de-icer is 90 per cent less corrosive than other road de-icing products on the market.

The company was established in 2010 in order to expand the Beijing Santywell product line into Europe and they forecast a £2m orderbook for the upcoming winter season.

Karrina Oldale, sales director at Enviro Thaw, said: "We are delighted to have moved to this excellent new base which combines warehouse facilities with modern offices and meeting rooms.

"Our previous office unit had become too small as we needed to take on additional staff, so this marks a significant stage in our growth as a business. Burgess Commercial's efficient, professional service was a great help in progressing to this point."

Neil Keally, director of Burgess Commercial, added: "It is fantastic to hear about a local success story such as Enviro Thaw and we were very pleased to assist them in finding premises in which they could bring together their administration and distribution operations and accommodate their expanding workforce.

"The Northfield Industrial Estate is also ideally located, giving easy access to the motorway network via Junctions 33, 34 and 35 of the M1."

Enviro Thaw website
Burgess Commercial website

Images: urgess Commercial

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News: Handelsbanken to open in Rotherham town centre

Handelsbanken, one of Sweden's leading banks, is to open its first branch in Rotherham town centre, taking space at The Crofts.

Founded in Stockholm in 1871, the bank has over 700 branches and offer bespoke financial services to businesses and high net worth individuals. They moved into the UK market in the early 80's and operations are run as a regional bank based on the same decentralised principles as the Nordic branch operations.

Handelsbanken was placed second in a list of the strongest banks in the world published by Bloomberg in May.

Rotherham commercial property agents Burgess Commercial helped to find the right property for the latest branch in Rotherham, which adds to the network of more than 100 throughout the UK.

Mike Harrison, branch manager at Handelsbanken, said: "Rotherham is an up and coming town with a thriving business community and there is demand for bespoke financial services of the type we offer.

"We were delighted when Burgess Commercial recommended The Crofts, as it is a historic building with lots of character, yet is right in the heart of Rotherham town centre, with easy access and parking for customers. Burgess Commercial has been very helpful in working with us to negotiate an agreement with the landlord and we are looking forward to moving in during October when the final refurbishment work has been carried out."

Neil Keally, director of Burgess Commercial, added: "We are really pleased to have helped Handelsbanken to secure these premises where they are sure to be a great asset to the business community.

"The Crofts is an excellent choice of location for a new bank because of its convenience for nearby businesses, such as law firms, accountants and training companies, as well as being close to the town centre.

"By working with a local firm, Handelsbanken has been able to take advantage of our knowledge of the Rotherham commercial property market, also our expertise in negotiation of lease terms means we were able to assist in achieving a satisfactory outcome for the bank."

Handelsbanken has been operating in RiDO's Moorgate Crofts business centre which has a National Business Incubation Association (NBIA) Soft Landings International Incubators designation. They offer a great location from which overseas companies can establish their operations in the United Kingdom.

Handelsbanken website
Burgess Commercial

Images: handelsbanken.co.uk

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News: Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice to open new retail premises in Rotherham town centre

Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice has secured retail space in Rotherham town centre for a new fundraising shop.

Based at North Anston, Bluebell Wood provides care and support to families who have a child who has a life limiting condition and is not expected to live into adulthood.

The charity has taken a long-term lease on a 2,500 sq ft, three-storey unit at 12 Wellgate that will be the charity's seventh retail outlet, selling quality second hand clothing, books and DVDs, as well as Bluebell Wood's attractive stationary range, beautiful new ornaments and seasonal goods.

Rotherham-based commercial property agents Burgess Commercial secured the deal.

Sarah Champion, Chief Executive of Bluebell Wood Childrens Hospice, said: "We are really excited to be opening our first shop in Rotherham town centre. We are delighted to have found suitable premises in an excellent location. Burgess Commercial were extremely helpful and have enabled us to move in as quickly as possible, with a view to opening the shop in late July."

Neil Keally, Director of Burgess Commercial, said: "This spacious new shop will help Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice raise funds to continue its important work with children and families from across the region.

The northern side of Wellgate provides an excellent location, close to the town centre and will benefit from a good level of footfall. This unit was particularly suitable because it has more recently been used by Eton as a designer clothes shop, so all of the appropriate fixtures and fittings are in-situ. The property benefits from spacious attractive sales areas to both the ground and first floor, together with additional storage accommodation to the second floor."

Bluebell Wood supports around 150 children and young adults with shortened life expectancy, both in their homes and within the hospice where families are able to stay overnight. It does not receive any statutory Government funding and needs to raise £2.5m each year to continue running its services.

Bluebell Wood website
Burgess Commercial website

Images: bluebellwood.org

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