Lock It, the self-storage facility provider and part of the Hurstwood Holdings group of companies, is set to open its third facility having expand its operations with a new £7 million premises on St Crispin Way in Haslingden.

The 50,000 sq ft site, a former office building will undergo a full transformation led by Hurstwood Holdings’ in-house property team. Once completed, the facility will offer a range of secure, modern lock-up units catering to both personal and business storage needs. Construction is due to commence immeidately, with the site scheduled to open by spring 2026.

Stephen Ashworth, FRICS Chairman and CEO of Hurstwood Holdings, commented: 

“We are excited to be expanding our Lock It self-storage concept into East Lancashire, a purpose built facility and the first of its kind for the area. The demand for secure, flexible storage space remains consistently high, driven by newly adapted consumer habits and business needs. We’ve been very encouraged by the strong performance of our existing Lock It facilities in Wigan and Lancaster and having identified a major gap in the local market here, we see this new site as a natural next step in our continued growth and part of our long term commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible storage solutions across the UK.”

This will be the third Lock It location, forming a core part of Hurstwood’s self-storage rollout plan. With long-term ambitions to establish a national footprint, Hurstwood Holdings is actively identifying further opportunities in key regional markets as part of its £350 million nationwide portfolio.

Arrowmere Capital, part of the Hurstwood Holdings Group, has secured planning permission for a new £15 million industrial park in Dyce, Aberdeen. The proposed scheme, designed by RGP Architects, will deliver 80,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial and warehouse space across five modern units, ranging in size from 10,000 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft.

Situated on a prominent 12-acre site within the established Kirkhill Industrial Estate, near Aberdeen Airport, the development will bring much-needed, state-of-the-art industrial accommodation to the area. Hurstwood Holdings acquired the site, formerly known as Craigievar House, in 2023. 

Sam Ashworth, Project Director at Hurstwood Holdings, commented:

“We plan to develop this scheme on a design and build basis, and we are already in active discussions with occupiers regarding a number of flexible options, including bespoke builds and fully serviced plot sales. There is a continuing demand for high-quality industrial, innovation and science hubs in the area and this scheme will address that shortage as well as also delivering significant economic benefits for the local area.”

The development reinforces Hurstwood Holdings’ commitment to delivering high-quality industrial schemes and driving economic growth in key regional locations. The Group, which manages a national portfolio valued at over £350 million and supports more than 1,400 occupiers across England, Scotland, and Wales, already has a significant footprint in Aberdeen, with a portfolio exceeding 1 million sq ft, including the two Aberdeen Innovation and Energy Parks.

Arrowmere Capital, part of the Hurstwood Holdings Group, has submitted a planning application for a new £15 million industrial park in Dyce, Aberdeen. The proposed scheme, designed by RGP Architects, will deliver 80,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial and warehouse space across five modern units, ranging in size from 10,000 sq ft to 18,000 sq ft.

Situated on a 12-acre site within the well-established Kirkhill Industrial Estate in Dyce, near Aberdeen Airport, the development will bring much-needed, state-of-the-art industrial accommodation to the area. Hurstwood Holdings acquired the site formerly home to The Quad and previously known as Craigievar House in 2023. The office building had remained vacant for several years before being demolished last year to make way for the new scheme.

Sam Ashworth, Project Director at Hurstwood Holdings, comments: “There is a continuing demand for high quality industrial, innovation and science hubs in the area. This project will breathe new life into a derelict site, significantly enhancing the landscape while delivering substantial economic benefits to Dyce. There is a continuing demand for high-quality industrial and warehouse space in Aberdeen, and this scheme directly responds to that need.

Ashworth continues: “Hurstwood Holdings has a strong track record of delivering exceptional industrial parks, having most recently completed the comprehensive redevelopment of Lune Industrial Estate in Lancaster. We are committed to creating a best-in-class working environment that will not only attract businesses but also generate new employment opportunities for the local community.

Following a positive public consultation, we carefully considered all feedback to produce a scheme that will be hugely beneficial for the area. As responsible developers and investors, we are focused on long-term investment, ensuring this site reaches its full potential while supporting the local economy.”

The proposed development underscores Hurstwood Holdings commitment to delivering high-quality industrial schemes and supporting economic growth in key regional locations.  The Group, which has a national portfolio valued in excess of £300 million and looks after more than 1,200 occupiers in England, Scotland and Wales, already has a substantial presence in Aberdeen totalling more than 1 million sq ft including the two Aberdeen Innovation and Energy Parks.

Hurstwood Holdings, the ambitious Manchester based property investment and development company, has made a strategic new acquisition following the purchase of a 40,000 sq ft landmark office building in Aston, Birmingham for an undisclosed price and a net initial yield of 15%.

The building, Aqueous II, is nearly fully occupied, with three tenants currently in place. ATS Euromaster Limited has leased the first two floors, totalling 13,168 sq ft, while The Association of British Dispensing Opticians has taken 10,999 sq ft across the top two floors. The 5,300 sq ft ground floor suite is let to IKEA Limited.  Only a 6,577 sq ft suite on the third floor remains available.

Ideally situated close to Birmingham’s Central Business District and prominently visible from the M6, Aqueous II is the first building that Hurstwood Holdings has bought in the city centre.

Chairman and CEO of Hurstwood Holdings, Stephen Ashworth says: 

“This has been a deal that has been two years in the making and I was determined to make this building part of Hurstwood’s extensive £350 million national portfolio with over 1,200 occupier clients.  The calibre of the occupiers and the fact that there is still opportunity to further enhance the long term value of the asset make it a unique investment purchase.”

Stephen continues: 

“As a Manchester based firm, we are pleased to report our continued to success in what is without doubt a challenging market.  Our strong financial position enables us to continue to actively invest, recruit and expand, reinforcing our commitment to growth and resilience.”

“Our team worked alongside, Richard Bousfield from our sister company, Hurstwood Asset Management.  Together provided the funding and we were very pleased to have the opportunity to complete another deal with them.  I also want to acknowledge our solicitors, Gateleys who were strongly supported by our inhouse lawyer, Jayne Hindle.”

Manchester based property investment and development company, Hurstwood Holdings has agreed the largest office letting of the year in Trafford Park and Salford following the 18,043 sq ft letting to housing trust, the L&Q Group.

Nexus, the Hurstwood Holdings owned Grade A office building, is situated at the entrance to City Park Business Village, less than 1.5 miles from Manchester city centre and close to the junction with Trafford Road and Wharfside Way.  Acting on behalf of Hurstwood, sole letting agents, Edwards agreed a 16 year lease was agreed with L&Q for the top two floors at £14.15 per sq ft.

Andy Park, Managing Director of Hurstwood Holdings adds:

“L&Q is a great addition to our already expansive portfolio of high calibre tenants.  Over the next few months, we will be working with the L&Q team to carry out a bespoke fit out of this prominent building that accommodates its specific requirements.”

Andy continues: “This deal forms part of our portfolio with Rothschild with whom we were delighted to work with again.  Thank you also to Gateleys for their valuable legal advice.”

Oliver Woodall, Associate Director at Edwards, comments:

“This modern headquarters style office building was ideal for L&Q as it looks to relocated its operations from its previous premises in Sale.  There are few opportunities in the market at present to acquire buildings of this size and given its unique location and the current challenging market, we were pleased to have been able to secure this deal for both parties.”

L& Q was unrepresented.  

The refurbishment of industrial units and offices at Parc Menter, Amlwch is well underway.

The £2m refurbishment is being undertaken by Pi Real Estate a subsidiary of Hurstwood Holdings.   The original property will be split to provide a range of units for industrial, warehouse and office occupiers.  There will be a total of 10 units ranging in size from 955 sq ft to 21,000 sq ft which will be ready for occupation in Q2 2024.  The split has been designed to appeal to a wide range of businesses from start-ups to those looking to expand. 

Parc Menter is situated on the north coast of the Isle of Anglesey and is the largest site and building on the well established Amlwch Industrial Estate.  

The building has the advantage of large service yard areas with excellent  HGV access and extensive parking areas to the front, side and rear.  

The site benefits from being part of the Anglesey Enterprise Zone and regeneration area, allowing tenants access to additional Welsh Government support, unique enterprise zone funding streams and training opportunities.  The port of Holyhead is less than a 20 minute drive to the west, with the advantage of  Anglesey’s newly approved bid to become the first Welsh Freeport.  

The Anglesey Energy Island programme aims to put Anglesey at the forefront as a hub for investment in the sphere of renewable and low carbon energy.  The site lies approximately 7 miles from Wylfa which remains a designated location for new nuclear generation development in the Government’s “Civil Nuclear Roadmap to 2050” published in January 2024.  

In addition, just off the coast from Almwch Port is Awel Y Mor, RWE’s new offshore windfarm development, which will cover an area of 78 square kilometres and provide up to 50 new turbines.

There is an abundance of skilled labour in the immediate area.  Other notable occupiers on the estate include Detsche Windtechnik, Huws Gray and the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Interested parties should contact letting agents Legat Owen or BA Commercial.

Rupert Chadwick-Dunbar rupertchadwickdunbar@legatowen.co.uk /Mark Diaper markdiaper@legatowen.co.ukor Robbie Clarke Robbie.Clarke@bacommercial.com / Howard Cole Howard.Cole@bacommercial.com

Hurstwood Holdings has expanded its ownership on Chester Business Park with a second acquisition "Hilliards Court".  Following the purchase of 3-4 Hilliards Court at the end of last year, the Manchester based property investment and development company has bought Elegant House – a 15,361 sq ft purpose-built office headquarters for an undisclosed figure with a new initial yield of 16%.  The stand alone building, which sits on a 1.77 acre site is fully let to expert travel agency, Elegant Resorts Limited.

Stephen Ashworth, Chairman and CEO of Hurstwood Holdings, says: “Chester Business Park remains a focus for us as we continue on our acquisition trail and look to build on our £300 million UK portfolio throughout 2024.  As proactive asset managers, we have already undertaken significant works at Hiliards Court, creating flexible office space from 200 sq ft.  Elegant Resorts is a strong covenant that has been in situ for more than 15 years and I am very pleased to add this impressive building and occupier to our portfolio.”

Hilliards Court was bought from a private investor,  Oliver Rowe of Edwards acted on behalf of Hurstwood Holdings with Gateleys providing legal advice.  Darren Switzer of LHV arranged the funding.

Hurstwood Holdings currently has a property portfolio valued at over £300 million, comprising more than 150 sites nationwide housing in excess of 1,000 occupier clients nationwide.

Hurstwood Holdings, the Manchester based property investment and development company with a £300 million national portfolio, has acquired an 8,178 sq ft modern office building on Chester Business Park for an undisclosed sum, with a net initial yield of circa 14%.

Hurstwood Holdings bought 3-4 Hilliards Court; a modern two storey purpose built office building with four self-contained suites from a private vendor.  Only one suite of 1,826 sq ft is currently available with the other three being let to Howden Group Services Limited, TBC Recruitment Limited and Eclipse Creative Construction Limited.  Hurstwood plans to convert the remaining suite to provide flexible office solutions for local occupiers from 200 sq ft.

Stephen Ashworth, Chairman and CEO of Hurstwood Holdings, says: “I have been keen to acquire properties on the prestigious Chester Business Park for some time so I am very pleased to have secured this purchase.  Whilst we are currently operating in a very challenging market, Hurstwood continues to perform with several more deals already in the pipeline.  We have an exceptional team helping to make these deals happen and I wanted to make a special thank you to Jayne Hindle, our in house lawyer for her amazing work.”

King Street acted on behalf of Hurstwood Holdings with LHV providing the funding and Gateley was the legal advisor.  BA Commercial represented the vendor.

Hurstwood Holdings currently has a property portfolio comprising more than 150 sites nationwide housing in excess of 1,000 occupier clients.

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent "Spring Soirée," held last Thursday. The event provided an exceptional opportunity for us to reconnect with our valued partners and colleagues, as well as create new connections within our professional network. It was truly a joyous occasion that exceeded our expectations.

The atmosphere was filled with excitement as old friends and new acquaintances came together to celebrate. Laughter and conversations flowed freely, creating a vibrant and welcoming ambiance. We were delighted to see familiar faces and meet new ones, forging stronger bonds within our community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who graced us with their presence. Your attendance and participation contributed greatly to the success of the event. It was a pleasure for us to spend this special day in your company, enjoying the camaraderie and sharing memorable moments.

We would also like to take this opportunity to announce that all the captivating moments captured during the "Spring Soirée" have been compiled in this article. You can find a collection of photos from the event, allowing you to relive the experience and cherish the cherished memories created together.

Once again, we express our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended the "Spring Soirée" and made it an unforgettable afternoon and evening. We look forward to future gatherings and the chance to continue fostering meaningful connections within our network.

Here's to many more joyous celebrations and successful events in the future!