News: Rival plans for housing at Rotherham mixed use site

A parcel of land in Rotherham, where developers have been unable to bring forward a commercial scheme, could be used for new housing, if plans are approved.

The site at Aston is west of a site where another planning application was submitted for 155 houses by Persimmon Homes in 2019.

Gleeson Homes has now identified a site at Mansfield Road for a new development and a planning application has been submitted for 111 houses.

The wider site was allocated for mixed use in the council's local plan with the authority explaining that around 150 houses could be accomodated here alongside employment uses.

Gleeson's plans are for a mix of houses across the sloping site - 23, two-bed houses, 63, three-bed and 25, four-bed. Twelve are designed as bungalows.

The main access to the new development would be from Mansfield Road with existing telegraph wires and poles redirected to enable development. The south of the site would include open space and wetlands in the drainage area.

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The 2019 Permisson application remains undetermined but if either are approved it would leave the majority of the remaining land for employment use.

The application for Gleeson, drawn up by Nineteen47, explains: "The neighbouring application to the east does not comprise committed residential development. The application was validated in December 2019 and since that time very limited progress has been made towards the determination of the application. There is no clear rationale for the delays and the application could yet be withdrawn or refused by the LPA, it cannot be relied upon to satisfy the housing requirement within the allocation. The proposed housing within this application could therefore contribute to the anticipated provision of housing within the Site."

The application also sets out why the land has not yet been developed for employment use.

A report from Cushman & Wakefield submitted with the application confirms that "landowners Network Space Ltd have owned the Site for over 30 years and has been unable to deliver employment land development owing to the topography and ground condition relevant to industrial development."

Network Space has led the successful Vector 31 industrial schemes at nearby Waleswood.

Also at Mansfield Road, agents Eddisons are currently marketing the former Dodds Transport yard which is adjacent to the undeveloped land.

Gleeson website
Persimmon website

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News: Plans approved at £24m Rotherham development

Plans are progressing for a 250,000 sq ft development in a popular commercial location in Rotherham.

A logistics firm has already signed up to take 85,000 sq ft of warehouse space.

Outline approval was secured in 2021 for Network Space's £24m industrial development at Vector 31 at Waleswood, close to Junction 31 of the M1.

Vector 31 West is being created on a 8.8 hectare parcel of land on the west side of Mansfield Road (A618). The site is opposite to the exisitng Vector 31 development and is next to Gulliver's Valley, Greencore and over the road from LuK.

The site has been backfilled following open cast coal mining operations and development platforms have already been created.

The latest reserved matters application relates to landscaping on the site as conditions were attached to the outline permission to address the development's proximity to overnight accommodation at Gulliver's Valley and the greenbelt.

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The application relates to the plot area of Area 1 only and advanced structural planting for the wider site. Details of a drainage scheme and an arboricultural impact assessment have also been signed off.

Separate reserved matters applications will be submitted to secure details of layout, scale, appearance, siting and landscaping to other development plots.

Agents for the scheme, Knight Frank, have produced a marketing brochure which shows that the largest unit on the site is already pre-let.

The brochure shows that "an international logistics firm" has agreed to take the 85,000 sq ft Unit 1 at Vector 31 West.

The pre-let leaves potential occupiers with high grade industrial / warehouse units built to modern specification. The scheme is suitable for B1, B2 and B8 industrial / distribution uses and will provide units from 16,500 to 42,000 sq ft.

When the outline plans were submitted they estimated that the development could create in excess of 500 jobs once completed.

Network Space website

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News: Amazon taking further space in Rotherham

Online retail giant, Amazon, looks to have taken another industrial unit in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported last month that a number of deals had been secured at the speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link development in Rotherham.

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

The agreed deal for unit 4 - a 23,200 sq ft warehouse with integral office - is for an online retail giant.

And new planning applications for signage on the unit show that Amazon want to use the site for its Amazon Flex service. A license for the sale by retail of alcohol for consumption off the premises has already been approved by Rotherham Council.

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Smaller than its massive fulfillment centres, Amazon Flex sites enable independent contractors to use their own vehicles to deliver on behalf of the online retailer.

Amazon Flex has pick-up locations in across the UK; that could be a warehouse, a depot or a local supermarket where self-employed drivers will deliver fresh food, groceries and other goods in their local area.

The retailer already has a 10,000 sq ft "last mile" warehouse at the Aldwarke Wharf development in Rotherham.

Amazon posted sales in the UK of £23.6 billion in 2021, an increase from £19.6 billion in 2020. Pre-pandemic, Amazon's UK sales were £13 billion in 2019.

Network Space is bringing forward Woodhouse Link where only one unit remains. When complete it will be capable of fostering some 200 new jobs.

Amazon website
Network Space website

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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: Plans updated for a new Rotherham unit for global logistics firm

Plans for an expanding logistics firm to take a large purpose built unit in Rotherham have been updated.

Vector 31 West is being created at Waleswood on a parcel of land on the west side of Mansfield Road close to Junction 31 of the M1.

Network Space recently secured outline consent for the £24m industrial development and is advancing plans for up to 254,000 sq ft of B2 and B8 employment space on the 22-acre site.

The development could create in excess of 500 jobs once completed.

A detailed application ealier this year showed that an unnamed logistics company had asked Network Space to deliver a bespoke 85,000 sq ft unit.

A new application, drawn up by Spawforths, explains that the earlier application was "formally withdrawn on 29 November 2021, due to technical issues arising from the site investigation monitoring. As such, an amended scheme has been prepared and submitted for a revised location albeit the specification of the building remains unchanged.

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The plans add: "The Unit is intended to be occupied by a logistics occupier who are globally recognised. The company is a leading specialist for trade related services including transport logistics, global ecommerce and distribution. The requirements of this end user have been incorporated into the layout and design of Unit 1."

It adds that the end user provides "import and export, fulfilment services and parcel distribution" and states that this unit alone could provide space for 200 jobs.

The parking facilities onsite would comprise of car parking (73 spaces, including four disabled and 15 electric charging spaces), HGV parking (16 spaces), LGV parking (seven spaces), van parking (26 spaces all of which will be electric charging spaces) and cycle parking (eight spaces).

The site, next to Gulliver's Valley, Greencore and over the road from LuK, has been backfilled following open cast coal mining operations and development platforms have already been created. Some mitigation is proposed, inlcuding acoustic barriers located along the west of the service yard.

Since traffic lights now are being used full time at the nearby junction 31 of the M1, a transport assessment submitted with the plans demonstrates that, whilst the proposed development does constitute an increase in overall traffic levels generated by the whole Vector 31 West Site as a whole during the critical weekday peak periods, the additional traffic levels impacting M1 Junction 31, "does not result in the degradation or worsening of the operation of the junction when compared to the level of operation already considered and approved at outline stage."

Network Space website

Images: Network Space / Harris Partnership

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News: First deal secured at Rotherham industrial development

Network Space has secured its first letting at its speculative multimillion-pound Woodhouse Link development, close to M1 Junction 31.

BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains Ltd is taking the 31,200 sq ft Unit 3 on a 15-year lease. A second unit is also under offer.

Rothbiz reported earlier this year on plans for the site of the former Laycast foundry that had been "sterilised" by previous HS2 proposals.

Local construction company Harris CM is onsite delivering 116,600 sq ft of prime industrial space across four high specification units. Ready for occupation in early 2022, Woodhouse Link will be capable of fostering approximately 200 new jobs.

BLE is part of the family owned Lowe & Fletcher Group. A global supplier, the company has designed, made, installed and maintained innovative, bespoke smoke and fire curtains for buildings for the last 40 years, providing life-saving protection for millions of people in commercial buildings, stations, airports and hospitals.

The expansion to Woodhouse Link reflects the continued growth of the company. Nigel Ward, Managing Director from BLE said: “This purpose build facility in such a great location will offer the company an exceptional base for our fast growing business.

“The integral office will be to headquarter standard, in keeping with our brand and helping us to add the best talent to our team. The flexible design and high sustainability standards are ideal for our needs.”

Simon Peters, Development Director at Network Space, explains: “Woodhouse Link is designed to meet the shortage of quality industrial space within the Sheffield City Region, where it is evident that new supply is struggling to keep pace with strong demand.

“We’ve already had a lot of interest in the development and we are delighted to welcome BLE as our first occupier. Woodhouse Link offers a great central location and with a further unit under offer and strong enquiry levels in the remaining space we could be fully let before this speculative development completes.”

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.

With unit 3 now let and a further unit under offer, only units 1 and 2 remain available providing 48,900 sq ft and 13,200 sq ft respectively. Avison Young and CPP have been appointed to market the site.

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Toby Vernon, Director at CCP introduced the deal. He said: “Demand for quality units such as those at Woodhouse Link is going from strength to strength. We saw a record take up in 2020 and high demand for space has continued in 2021. Occupiers want modern, efficient buildings that will stand the test of time, which is one of the reasons demand is so high, evidenced by the letting to BLE.”

Rob Oliver, principal from Avison Young said: “We have always known this development will be well received by the occupational market, so we were delighted, but not surprised, to have two units under offer before speculative construction began.

“Well designed and highly specified they suit the demands and expectations of today’s occupiers who want accessible and cost effective premises which facilitate efficient operations, present the right impression to clients and the workforce and meet their environmental agenda.”

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

It is being constructed by Yorkshire company, Harris CM. Jason Adlam, CEO at Harris CM, said: “This project is an impressive industrial development and we look forward to working with Network Space on our first contract together.

“The scheme demonstrates the importance of Sheffield’s industrial and manufacturing sectors and provides further opportunities for our workforce and supply chain, with a significant proportion being South Yorkshire based.”

BLE Smoke and Fire Curtains website
Network Space website

Images: BLE / Network Space

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News: Outline approval for £24m Rotherham development

Network Space has secured outline consent for a £24m industrial development at Waleswood in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported back in 2017 that "Vector 31 West" could be created on a parcel of land on the west side of Mansfield Road close to Junction 31 of the M1. The site, next to Gulliver's Valley, Greencore and over the road from LuK, has been backfilled following open cast coal mining operations and development platforms have already been created.

Network Space will now advance plans for up to 254,000 sq ft of B2 and B8 employment space on the 22-acre site. Indicative plans approved show between seven and nine self-contained, detached units ranging from 12,500 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft, with design and build opportunities also available.

The development could create in excess of 500 jobs once completed.

Simon Eaton, development manager at Network Space, said: "We are delighted to have secured consent to regenerate this high-profile brownfield site. Vector 31 West is extremely well located, just minutes from Junction 34 of the M1, and we are looking forward to building on the success of our previous developments at Vector 31.

"Our intention now is to progress the development of a first phase of speculative, high quality employment units that will satisfy regional market requirements as well as national occupier needs. Simultaneously, we will be marketing the site for design and build opportunities to come forward alongside our development."

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Rebecca Schofield, Partner at Knight Frank, added: "We are continuing to see strong interest for industrial and warehouse space across the South Yorkshire region, the quality of accommodation which Network Space will offer to the market will no doubt prove popular to satisfy demand."

Gulliver's Valley, which has plans for further holiday accommodation nearby, raised concerns over noise, odour, lighting, fumes and vibration from the proposed industrial site. Conditions on the planning approval should see construction activity only at set hours and Noise Impact Assessments will need to be submitted as further, more detailed, plans are put forward regarding the end users of the new units.

Network Space has a long history with this former colliery site having delivered more than 160,000 sq ft of industrial space across two phases at the adjacent Vector 31 development. The first phase was fully occupied within a year of completion in 2008 and is currently occupied by a range of national and international businesses, including parcel delivery giant Hermes.

The Vector 31 Networkcentre was sold in 2018 in a £91m deal to InfraRed Capital Partners Limited as part of a 1 million sq ft portfolio of 25 industrial sites and two development sites.

Network Space was supported in its application by Harris Partnership, Walker Sime, Spawforths, Tetra Tech and Infrastructure Planning & Design. Knight Frank is appointed as agent with NSM set to provide asset management services.

Network Space website

Images: Network Space

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News: Next phase of commercial developments in Rotherham

Two planning applications have been submitted for large scale commercial developments in Rotherham.

The last phase of new development at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) has been outlined in the latest plans from landowners and developers, Harworth Group plc, and in spearate plans, a resurrected site that was blighted by HS2 is back on track.

At the AMP - recognised as one of the leading and most innovative engineering, research and manufacturing communities - Harworth has identified that land to the south of Whittle Way and Highfield Spring could accomodate much sought after industrial units.

Around 18 acres, land which has previously been granted planning permission for business and industrial uses, could soon be home to a further 242,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace.

An indicative masterplan shows seven units, ranging in size from 16,500 sq ft to 85,000 sq ft, with access from Whittle Way.

The application, drawn up by Barton Wilmore and The Harris Partnership, states: "This Application Site forms the last piece of AMP expansion land and this outline application builds on the huge success of the AMP to date. It will enable more world class leaders in their fields of research, development and manufacturing to locate on the AMP.

"These exciting proposals will further enhance the AMP and will continue to assist in the economic development and regeneration of this area of the Borough."

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Also in the south of the borough, plans for the rest of the Woodhouse Link development have been updated.

"Sterilised" by previous HS2 proposals, the site of the former Laycast foundry, is now being spearheaded by Network Space Developments that previously submitted plans for four individual units, ranging from 15,800 sq ft to 48,900 sq ft.

The speculative development is being delivered in partnership with Rotherham Council and Sheffield city region (SCR) and the latest plans indicate that end users have now been identified.

Minor alterations have been approved that will allow developers to make changes to the 32,300 sq ft Unit 3 to meet a client’s requirement - window layouts and the types of loading bays required, and alterations to the configuration of the ancillary office space.

A further ammendment around total floorspace would provide greater flexibility for future amendments to the scheme.

The application from planning consultants, Spawforths, states: "The units were designed to be built speculatively and are now subject to strong market interest, with potential occupiers now identified. In order to meet the future operational needs of the occupier, a small number of non-material amendments were required to the approved scheme."

Harworth website
Network Space website

Images: Harworth / Harris / Network Space

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News: Plans in for £24m development at Vector 31

Proposals that would deliver a quarter of a million sq ft of industrial development in a popular commercial location in Rotherham have been submitted.

Network Space has submitted a planning application to Rotherham Borough Council for a £24m industrial development at Vector 31 at Waleswood, close to Junction 31 of the M1.

Rothbiz reported in 2017 that "Vector 31 West" could be created on a 8.8 hectare parcel of land on the west side of Mansfield Road (A618). The site, next to Gulliver's Valley, Greencore and over the road from LuK, has been backfilled following open cast coal mining operations and development platforms have already been created.

The outline planning submission sets out proposals for up to 254,000 sq ft of E, B2 and B8 employment space on an 8.8 hectare site. Indicative plans submitted with the application show two options with seven or nine self-contained, detached units ranging from 12,500 sq ft to 75,000 sq ft, with design and build opportunities also available.

The development could create in excess of 500 jobs once completed.

Simon Eaton, development manager at Network Space, said: "Vector 31 West can provide a wide range of industrial accommodation which will appeal to smaller workspace occupiers through to distribution centre requirements. Given the strong location and market demand, we intend to commence with a first phase of speculative units as soon as possible, whilst maintaining our ability to deliver larger units on a design and build basis.

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"The success of our earlier development at Vector 31 demonstrates that this is one of the Yorkshire region’s most sought after locations, offering a strategic central distribution route close to the M1 as well as easy access to Rotherham and Sheffield. The development will therefore serve to meet regional market requirements as well as national occupier needs."

Rebecca Schofield, partner at Knight Frank, added: "We are continuing to see strong interest for industrial and warehouse space across the South Yorkshire region, the quality of accommodation which Network Space will offer to the market will no doubt prove popular to satisfy demand."

Network Space has a long history with this former colliery site having delivered more than 160,000 sq ft of industrial space across two phases at the adjacent Vector 31 development. The first phase was fully occupied within a year of completion in 2008 and is currently occupied by a range of national and international businesses, including parcel delivery giant Hermes.

The Vector 31 Networkcentre was sold in 2018 in a £91m deal to InfraRed Capital Partners Limited as part of a 1 million sq ft portfolio of 25 industrial sites and two development sites.

Architects for the scheme is Harris Partnership.

Knight Frank is appointed as agent and NSM will provide asset management services.

Network Space website

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News: Work starts on site to expand Magna Business Park

A new speculative development of industrial units designed for small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) is starting at Magna 34 Business Park in Rotherham.

Plans for the Templeborough were initially approved back in 2018 and a stand-alone 35,000 sq ft warehouse will be delivered alongside a further 40,000 sq ft, which will comprise 13 smaller units ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 sq ft. The latter is thought to be the only small multi-let industrial scheme underway in the area.

Once complete, the development has the ability to accommodate a workforce of 150 – 200 people.

NSM manages the popular development on behalf of InfraRed Capital Partners and will oversee the nine month build programme, as well as providing agency services to market the site to prospective tenants.

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Helen Gordon, associate director at NSM, said: "There is a well-known shortage of industrial space, particularly with the recent surge in online retail. Most new and refurbished developments are focused on the larger distribution requirements and Magna 34 will be one of the only developments which delivers new, high quality space for smaller and growing businesses.

"We are already receiving enquiries and I expect this well-located site, next to the M1, will prove incredibly popular."

Magna 34 is an established business park with a high profile location close to Sheffield and Rotherham, with easy access to the M1. NSM already manages the existing 47,000 sq ft of space at this site which comprises two industrial units. The popular business park is already home to occupiers including Parcelforce, UK Mail and Element Materials Technology Sheffield Ltd.

NSM website

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News: Expansion at Magna 34

NSM has been appointed by InfraRed Capital Partners to property and asset manage its expanding Magna 34 Business Park in Rotherham.

An industrial scheme at templeborough, NSM will also provide agency services, helping to secure new tenants for the next stage of its multi-million pound development.

Magna 34 Business Park comprises of a mixture of units totalling in excess of 120,000 sq ft, which includes two existing units that are already occupied comprising 47,000 sq ft. A stand-alone 35,000 sq ft new build and a further 40,000 sq ft will be developed as a smaller multi-let industrial scheme, providing units ranging in size from 2,000 to 4,500 sq ft

This is thought to be one of the only small to medium sized speculative industrial developments in the local area to come forwards in 2020, as the only other scheme underway provides in excess of 5,000 sq ft units.

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Helen Gordon, associate director at NSM, said: "Magna 34 is an established business park with a high profile location close to Sheffield and Rotherham, with easy access to the M1. There is a shortage of industrial land and with most developers focusing on larger units, there is significant demand for businesses seeking well-located space for small and medium sized enterprises. As a result, I expect this new development at Magna 34 will be very popular."

Planning has already been secured for the 35,000 sq ft unit and, subject to planning permission being secured for the smaller units, construction work will commence within the next three to six months. It is expected to be a nine month build programme.

Magna 34 is a well-established business park on Sheffield Road close to Junction 34, M1. It is already home to occupiers including Parcelforce, UK Mail and Element Materials Technology Sheffield Ltd.

At Magna 34, LondonMetric recently completed the £13.3m disposal of a large warehouse at a net initial yield of 5.0%. The 152,000 sq ft regional distribution warehouse has been sold to a global investor. The warehouse was acquired in 2014 for £10.3m and is let to the Royal Mail Group (Parcelforce) for a further eight years at a rent of £4.70 psf.

NSM website

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News: NSM delivers quickly for Hermes

Industrial asset management specialist NSM has let an additional unit in Rotherham to global logistics giant Hermes -  with the deal from initial enquiry to occupation taking just five days.

As demand for logistic and industrial space grows during the covid-19 crisis, NSM was initially approached by Hermes with a speculative enquiry on Monday April 27 for expansion space at the Vector 31 Industrial Park, close to Junction 31 of the M1 at Waleswood.

A viewing was arranged, and Head of Terms were finalised within 24 hours. The lease was agreed and signed a day later with Hermes taking occupation of the 11,650 sq. ft unit on Friday May 1st.

Nicky Jones, managing director at NSM, said: "Demand for quality logistics and industrial space is huge at the moment but even in our most optimistic moment we never thought we would be able to deliver a deal like this in such a tight timeframe. I am incredibly proud of the NSM team and our partners for making a 5-day turnaround possible, it really shows how agile our business is.

"We are obviously delighted to assist a current tenant and we have also been able to offer flexible leasing terms that suit their current business demands."

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Hermes is the UK's largest home delivery courier network handling more than 245 million parcels last year. It first took space in Rotherham with a 35,600 sq ft warehouse at Vector 31 in 2011.

David McPherson, head of depots at Hermes, said: "We're delighted that NSM has been able to support Hermes with a quick turnaround on the letting. Our business is incredibly agile and needs to have the ability to quickly scale up when demand is high, the pandemic has accelerated the shift from the high street to online. Additional pop-up depots like these give us the opportunity to operate safely and continue to support our clients so we can meet demand from the end customer and in turn support the government’s guidance to stay home wherever possible."

Vector 31 offers nine high quality modern industrial units with gated yards, centrally heated offices, dedicated car parking, heating and lighting in the warehousing areas, as well as 7m high eaves.

As an industrial asset management specialist NSM manages more than 4.3million sq. ft of industrial property across the north. It currently looks after 669 units nationally with a rent roll in excess of £14m.

Images: NSM

Hermes website
NSM website

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News: Strong interest expected for new Rotherham units

Network Space Developments is expecting strong interest for a new high-specification industrial warehouse development in Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported earlier this month that a planning application has been submitted for the remaining land at Woodhouse Link which will comprise four individual units, ranging from 15,800 sq ft to 48,900 sq ft and is being delivered in partnership with Rotherham Council and Sheffield city region (SCR).

The units have each been designed to appeal to a wide range of logistics and industrial occupiers and will benefit from self-contained and segregated yards, generous office and car parking provision with 8 to 10m eaves heights and dock level doors on the two larger units.

The eight-acre site is situated within the Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation District, just minutes from the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) and close to Junctions 31 and 33 of the M1.

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Stephen Barnes, managing director (development) at Network Space, said: "Although our intention is to build speculatively at Woodhouse Link, we expect interest to be strong due to the high quality of the units and the excellent strategic location of the site.

"We have worked closely with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Sheffield City Region to draw up plans for the site so that the development best suits the needs of the area and we anticipate that the range in unit sizes will appeal to a broad range of occupiers."

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Cllr. Denise Lelliott, Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, said she was pleased to see yet another new development in the pipeline that would strengthen the commercial property offer in Rotherham.

"The AMP and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District continue to go from strength to strength," she said. "This is great news for Rotherham and the city region as we look to grow the local economy, employment opportunities and skills for our local residents."

If approved, the development would provide the opportunity for 150 new jobs.

Network Space website

Images: Network Space

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News: Jobs boost as plans in for stalled Rotherham development

An employment site in Rotherham that was "sterilised" by previous HS2 proposals is being revived with plans for new units that could be home to 150 new jobs.

Active in Rotherham with popular schemes such as Vector 31, industrial developer, Network Space (formerly known as Langtree), is now driving ahead with new plans to revive the Woodhouse Link development in the South of the borough.

Home Décor Innovations, one of the leading suppliers of floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and associated storage systems in Europe, had only just opened its 110,000 sq ft state-of-the-art factory at Woodhouse Link, when in 2013, HS2 announced that a route for the high speed line to a station at Meadowhall would cut straight through the site off Retford Road, which is just inside the Rotherham borough.

Developer Woodhouse Link LLP (a joint venture partnership with JF Finnegan and Laycast Ltd) undertook a complete demolition and remediation programme to facilitate a brand new industrial and distribution park on the site of the former Laycast foundry.

A switch of the preferred HS2 route through Rotherham, the undeveloped plots went on the market in 2017.

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The latest plans submitted to Rotherham Council are for four units of varying size which total close to 118,000 sq ft. The employment and distribution development would provide the opportunity for 150 new jobs, although potential occupiers are not yet known.

The full planning application, drawn up by Spawforths and DLA Design, details that the units would be able to be used for B1(b) (Research and Development), B1(c) (Light industry), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Storage and Distribution)> It also includes ancillary office use, associated car parking, service areas and landscaping.

Sized at between 16,000 sq ft and 49,000 sq ft, the mix of unit sizes has been carefully considered to provide various options for end users.

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The plans conclude: "The proposals will make a significant contribution to the creation of a strong, competitive local economy. The site is located within a sustainable area of strong market interest and which has already seen success in employment and logistics operations.

"The scheme presents an opportunity to achieve much needed employment growth within the area and will deliver substantial economic benefits, providing significant inward investment, positive economic growth and significant job opportunities for the Aston, Aughton and Swallownest areas and further afield."

Network Space website

Images: Network Space / DLA Design

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News: Vector 31 back fully let

The popular Vector 31 commercial development in Rotherham is back up to being 100% let.

Network Space (formerly known as Langtree) has delivered over 160,000 sq ft of industrial space across two phases at its Vector 31 development at Waleswood.

The latest deal sees a 10,000 sq ft unit let to Turners Garage Ltd on a 10-year lease. Based in Selby, Turner's Garage is a family run accident and repair business established in 1968 which works with the UK's major insurance companies and fleet operators for their vehicle accident repair provision.

The move follows on from the company making a £1.5m investment in 2018 in a 22,000 sq ft accident repair facility, creating 40 new jobs in the Doncaster area.

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The Vector 31 lease is the first major deal since Network Space established Network Space Management (NSM) as a business in its own right to broaden its offering. Network Space has over 35 years' experience in managing commercial property and NSM will continue to build on this alongside the investment and development arms of the group.

At the end of 2018, InfraRed Capital Partners Limited acquired a 1 million sq ft portfolio of 25 industrial properties from Network Space, plus two development sites, which will deliver a further 200,000 sq ft, in a deal worth £93m.

As part of the deal, Network Space will actively manage the assets by renewing leases on expiry, letting vacant space and if necessary, undertaking refurbishments across the portfolio.

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Nicky Jones, managing director for NSM, said: "This is an exciting time for the business, having worked with InfraRed for just over one month, we are delighted to have already completed several transactions including bringing Vector 31 back to full occupancy."

Vector 31 comprises nine units and has tenants including Hermes and Century Plastics. Plans are being discussed for ten further units at "Vector 31 West" which could be created on a 8.8 hectare parcel of land across Mansfield Road.

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Network Space website

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News: Multimillion pound property deals done

A number of commercial properties in Rotherham have been sold as part of multimillion pound property deals.

At Eastwood, manufacturing firm CMD Ltd has acquired the building it occupies from property firm, St. Mowden, which itself bought the site in 2010. CMD will continue to use the 17,701 sq ft building as its headquarters.

Acquired last year by US firm, IDEAL INDUSTRIES, INC, the innovative company integrates power and technology with furniture and has a product range offering underfloor power systems, lighting and power busbars, lighting control systems, together with office power, cable management and ergonomic solutions.

St. Mowden also sold its Claywheels Lane Business Park in Sheffield, with the separate deals being for in excess of £3.3m.

Paul Brustad, asset manager at St. Modwen, said: "The successful sale of Claywheels Lane and Sycamore Court is testament to our investment and hard work in transforming commercial properties. The future looks bright for these sites and we wish the new owners all the best. Their disposal is in line with St. Modwen's strategic objectives and we will continue to bring similar properties to the market in order to support investment into larger commercial developments in the region."

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A range of Rotherham properties have changed hands as Network Space's 630,000 sq ft Network North portfolio was acquired by investment firm, Columbia Threadneedle in a £41.9m deal.

Formerly Langtree, the rebranded Network Space was established in 1982 and directly owns and manages an investment portfolio of over 3 million sq ft of modern industrial and office developments across 60 locations with a combined value of over £130m, the majority of which has been self-developed.

The advertised portfolio includes Units 1 & 3, Eden Close, Hellaby. The 16,191 sq ft Unit 1 is occupied by Pearson Education Limited (pictured).

Also in the portfolio is Sheaf House, on Bradmarsh Business Park in Templeborough which is the 36,000 sq ft headquarters of specialist healthcare equipment distributors Harvest Healthcare Limited.

The third Rotherham property in the portfolio is Unit 6 at Farfield Park, Manvers. Currently undergoing refurbishment, the 21,072 sq ft building was previously occupied by Purex.

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Richard Ainscough, managing director at Network Space said: "We took the decision to sell these assets so that we can accelerate the speculative development of our new industrial property.

"We will also continue to invest in our asset management platform so that we can continue to get the best out of our retained investments and those of our investor partners. We have an excellent team at Network Space, specialists with a true wealth of experience in the development, investment and management of industrial property."

Knight Frank in Leeds handled the disposal. FDR Law acted for Network Space and Addleshaw Goddard acted for Columbia Threadneedle.

Network Space will continue to hold a number of local properties in its portfolio. This includes the expanding Vector 31 at Waleswood and Century Park in Manvers.

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News: Next phase of Vector 31 mapped out

The next phase of a popular business park in Rotherham is being planned which would help to create hundreds of jobs.

Network Space (formerly known as Langtree) is looking ahead having already delivered over 160,000 sq ft of industrial space across two phases at its Vector 31 development at Waleswood.

"Vector 31 West" could be created on a 8.8 hectare parcel of land to the north of Wales Bar on the west side of Mansfield Road (A618) that the developers want to see come forward for employment use. The site has been backfilled following open cast coal mining operations and development platforms have already been created.

Close to the site of the proposed £37m leisure development adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park, Rotherham Council has already carried out £1.2m of transport improvements to improve access in the area, which is close to Junction 31 of the M1.

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Discussions are continuing between the developers and the Council over using 6.5 hectares of the site, which is alongside the large Greencore facility.

Draft plans have been prepared by Spawforths, the Harris Partnership and WYG, which show a range of industrial units of varying sizes totalling 247,000 sq ft. Ten units are shown, ranging from 10,750 sq ft to 42,000 sq ft. Earthworks and remediation will be required so any development would come forward in a number of phases.

The plans state: "The site is located within the Waleswood industrial area, which is a major employment site in Rotherham providing job opportunities to the surrounding areas of Aston, Wales, Kiveton and Killarmarsh.

"The site is owned by Network Space Ltd, an experienced commercial real estate investment, development and management group operating across the North and Midlands of England. They own and manage an investment portfolio of over 3 million sq. ft. of modern industrial and office development across 60 locations in the UK.

"The proposals comprise employment development for uses within B1 (b) (c), B2 and B8. The application will submitted in hybrid form with full details provided for earthworks, the first phase of development and main point of access into the site from Mansfield Road. Given the timescales involved in respect of the engineering works and ground remediation required to prepare the site for development for industrial use, permission is sought on a phased basis, with a ten year period to implement any permission granted."

It adds that the proposals would deliver "positive economic growth, substantial inward investment and significant job opportunities for the surrounding local area in a sustainable and highly accessible location."

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The site has been given a draft allocation for employment uses in the emerging Local Plan which also proposed the release of nearby Green Belt land to the North of School Road / Off Waleswood Way behind the cricket pitch, and its allocation for use for business and industry.

Network Space put forward further future phases here but this could be impacted by the realigned route of HS2 which is set to run alongside the M1.

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News: £2m deal for Rotherham warehouse

A Rotherham warehouse has been sold for more than £2m in a sale and leaseback deal to investment and development specialists Network Space.

Following the deal, specialist healthcare equipment distributors Harvest Healthcare Limited will remain in its 36,000 sq ft headquarters, Sheaf House, on Bradmarsh Business Park in Templeborough.

Harvest Healthcare manufacture and distribute quality healthcare equipment to the NHS, care home and community markets, throughout the UK and internationally.

Andy Groves, of Harris Lamb's Investment team which provided insight and advice to the firm, said: "We were able to provide the business with advice and recommendations on a sale and leaseback of Sheaf House, in relation to lease terms, rent and achievable sales prices, and subsequently we were instructed to place the building on the investment market."

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Having set a market price of £1.9m, representing a yield of 8.1%, with a five-year lease to Harvest Healthcare, the business reported strong interest generated from a wide range of investors, property companies and high net worth individuals, who were then invited to submit best and final bids for the property.

Further to multiple bids, a sale was agreed with Network Space for a sum in excess of £2m.

Groves added: "We are delighted with the level of interest generated on this investment opportunity and the subsequent outcome for our client.

"In spite of the current wider economic uncertainties, investor appetite for good quality industrial stock remains extremely robust and shows no signs of cooling off, and sale and leaseback deals of this kind represent an extremely attractive opportunity."

Formerly Langtree, the rebranded Network Space was established in 1982 and directly owns and manages an investment portfolio of over 3 million sq ft of modern industrial and office developments across 60 locations with a combined value of over £130m, the majority of which has been self-developed.

Rotherham property in the Network Space portfolio includes Vector 31 at Waleswood and Century Park in Manvers. It acquired a unit at Centurion Business Park in Templeborough last year.

Commercial Property Partners advised Network Space.

Network Space website
Harvest Healthcare website

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News: Future phases for Vector 31

Hundreds of new jobs would be created if a successful Rotherham commercial development is extended into the Green Belt.

Network Space (formerly known as Langtree) has delivered over 160,000 sq ft of industrial space across two phases at its Vector 31 development at Waleswood. The first phase was fully occupied within 12 months of completion in 2008 and the total site was fully let a few years after. Occupiers include Hermes, Preformed Windings and CCPI-Europe.

Discussions are now ongoing with Rotherham Council through the authority's local plan examination on the potential for more phases at the site which is close to Junction 31 of the M1.

"Vector 31 West" could be created on a 8.8 Ha parcel of land to the north of Wales Bar on the west side of Mansfield Road (A618) that the developers want to see come forward for employment use. The site has been backfilled following open cast coal mining operations and development platforms have already been created.

An illustrative masterplan which demonstrates how the site could be developed shows that the site provides the opportunity to deliver approximately 215,000 sq ft gross of employment space.

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The Council has also proposed the release of nearby Green Belt land to the North of School Road / Off Waleswood Way behind the cricket pitch, and its allocation for use for business and industry.

Network Space is supporting this proposal and have outlined that further land could be released for employment use to create a 20.7 hectares site that is currently comprises agricultural land located between the M1, Waleswood industrial area, the railway line and woodland.

This proposal is complicated by the realigned route of HS2 which cuts through the site as it runs alongside the M1.

Property agents at Knight Frank, who are acting for Network Space, consider Vector 31 to be "one of the region's sought after industrial locations." Representations submitted as part of the local plan examination state: "Vector 31 is an ideal location for employment at Junction 31 of the M1 Motorway, accessed via the A57 dual carriageway, allowing the site to capture both local and regional requirements as well as national occupier requirements looking to enter into the area. They consider that the success of the location has been proved with the success of the initial phases at Vector 31."

Rotherham Council appears receptive to an extension to Vector 31. Plans are being progressed for £1.2m of transport improvements to support the proposed £37m leisure development adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park and new employment land. Council officers believe that job creation linked to Gulliver's Valley and Vector 31 is estimated at up to 850 new jobs.

Network Space is a commercial property investment, development and management group and following a restructure and rebranding in June 2015 the group has focused its operations on the industrial property market. Pre-tax profits for last year hit £19.2m, more than doubling the previous year's result.

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News: £1m Rother Valley road improvement plan

Plans are being progressed for £1.2m of transport improvements to support the proposed £37m leisure development adjacent to Rother Valley Country Park in Rotherham.

A planning application has recently been submitted by Gulliver's, the operators of theme parks in Warrington, Matlock Bath and Milton Keynes. Gulliver's Valley will be the first of their sites in the UK to encompass all their major family entertainment elements in one location with new attractions exclusive to Rotherham.

A number of comments on the application discuss the potential impact on the surrounding road network.

A highway scheme is being developed by Rotherham Council and funding is being sought. It includes improvements to four existing junctions on the A618 and A57 network with traffic lights and extra lanes.

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The overall site is approximately 98 hectares in area comprising the northern part of the Rother Valley Country Park known as Pit House West. 215,000 sq ft of buildings are proposed at Gulliver's Valley, including: Main Street featuring an indoor, year round attraction including a splash zone, interactive play areas and NERF zone; five key ride areas providing over 40 rides and attractions; three hotels; themed holiday lodges, themed leisure facilities; and a spa and fitness centre.

Also in the area, developer, Network Space is looking to expand its successful Vector 31 commercial development at Waleswood which already includes two phases and totals 164,260 sq ft of industrial/warehouse units.

Council officers believe that job creation linked to Gulliver's Valley and Vector 31 is estimated at up to 850 new jobs.

Gulliver's could create create around 400 jobs. The Vector 31 Business Park is committed to significant expansion that is expected to result in new jobs (estimated at between 350 and 600).

A £759,000 bid has been submitted to use unspent money via the Sheffield City Region Combined Authority (CA).

Phase 1 works would need to be carried out by the end of March. Any further and later works in the area would have to be the subject of a further bid, or funded by other sources. The Council's cabinet is being asked to approve the use of £384,000 for Phase 2 from the £10m allocation for Highway Improvement Works, approved as part of the Capital Strategy.

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