SWINDONBUSINESSNEWS

Over the last 12 months Swindon has witnessed the highest level of investment seen in the last 15 years, according to Alder King Property Consultants. A number of significant property deals have completed, creating new jobs for the town. These include the decision in June by B&Q to develop a new 796,649 sq ft distribution centre at the Gazeley G-Park, which represented an investment of £77.4 million and is predicted to create 500 new jobs to Swindon. In February medical products manufacturer Vygon secured ... Read More

A new initiative to bring local authorities and residential landlords closer together has been launched by the Residential Landlords Association. Their ‘Local Authority Network’ is another move to involve local councils, share information and promote best practice. The network offers special RLA membership to local authorities – sparking a new level of relationship between council members, officials and approved landlords who let local properties. The local authorities get access to RLA training courses for their staff and local landlords, access to their consultants, speakers for ... Read More

The British Postal Museum & Archive (BPMA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios LLP (FCB) as architects to develop their new centre, following a competitive tender process. They will now start work to restore and regenerate the Grade II* ‘At Risk’ listed building and create the BPMA’s new home in the historic former Great Western Railway Chain Testing Works in Swindon, Wiltshire. The new centre will provide full public access to the BPMA’s unique and fascinating collections, as ... Read More

Gazeley, global provider of sustainable logistics, has been granted reserved matters planning approval from Swindon Borough Council for the proposed 796,649 sq ft B&Q distribution centre at G.Park Swindon, formerly known as the Triangle site. Adjacent to the A419, the strategically located regional hub will service B & Q stores in the South of the UK. The facility on Plot A of G.Park Swindon is estimated to have a completed value of nearly £70m, and will bring 600 jobs to the area once ... Read More

More surveyors nationally reported a fall than a rise in house prices for the first time since July 2009 as demand from purchasers slipped back and the number of  properties coming to the market continued to increase, says the latest RICS UK Housing Market survey (10 August 2010). The situation is largely reflected in statistics for the South West region. Eight per cent more surveyors reported a fall rather than rise in house prices - the lowest reading in more than a year, ... Read More

Rockspring TransEuropean IV, advised by Caisson Investment Management and represented by Alder King, has acquired the freehold investment of Ash & Birch Industrial Estate, Kembrey Park, Swindon from Prupim for approximately £7.20m. The 169,000 sq ft  scheme produces a gross annual income of £620,000.  The estate has 42 separate industrial properties ranging in size from 2,271-14,000 sq ft and tenants include: Geodis Wilson, Cleeve Technology, Swindon College, Premier Watercoolers and AGI Media. Rockspring’s Charles Tarriere says: “This transaction represents the type of asset both ... Read More

Acting on behalf of Zarlink Semiconductors, Keningtons Chartered Surveyors have completed the sale of Building 109, Cheney Manor, Swindon. The five storey office building which provides 32,900 sq ft with 213 car parking spaces was previously occupied by Zarlink as their main office facility within the complex built in the 1970s and early ‘80s when the company was previously known as Plessey. The purchasers are intending to refurbish and develop a fully serviced office centre, with facilities that can be used by other occupiers ... Read More

New affordable homes which are being launched in Wiltshire will help first time buyers onto the property ladder. Houses at Alexandra Place, a scheme in the village of Wroughton, start at just £79,750 for a 55 per cent share of the property. The new high-specification homes are available through not-for-profit housing provider A2Dominion New Homes. Denise Stewart, Sales & Marketing Director at A2Dominion New Homes (South East), said: “This is a small, stylish selection of homes aimed at people living or working in the local ... Read More

A graphic design and sign company has expanded its operation at the Westmead Industrial Estate in Swindon. Aura Signs and Design has relocated from Unit 14 to Unit 9 on the Star West section of the estate.  Unit 9 is a larger unit and extends to 1,889 sq ft.  It was let to Aura by Alder King Property Consultants on a new three year lease. Aura Signs and Design, design, print and fit a wide range of signage including shop signs, vehicle graphics and ... Read More

One of Swindon’s best known lettings agents has become part of a national success story after Belvoir Lettings scooped a major ‘Gold’ award. Belvoir, which has an office on Commerial Road, Swindon, has been named this year’s Best Lettings Agency Franchise at an awards ceremony in London. Belvoir topped the category in the annual Lettings Agency of the Year Awards and the company’s Operational Director, Dorian Gonsalves, accepted the honour from comedienne Ruby Wax. The full judges’ report cited stringent standards and the appointment of high calibre franchisees as ... Read More