The owner of what will become Guernsey Business Park on Route Militaire wants to hear from businesses looking for industrial units so that it can design a scheme which meets demand.
The 14.67 acre site, which was originally intended to become Guernsey Data Park, was sold to RED fund last month for an undisclosed sum. Now the real estate developer, which is backed by private investors with Channel Islands’ links, is starting a consultation to understand what the demand is.
“This is a unique opportunity as there is nowhere in the island that offers a cleared site of this size, which is zoned as a key industrial area, and has the flexibility to offer a mix of options. For RED fund and its advisers, this is a blank canvas and we want to hear from any business that may have requirement for new premises,” said chairman Andrew Haining.
“We don’t want to design a scheme that is at odds with demand. The only way to know what the true demand is is by asking potential owners and occupiers to find out what space they need, the make up of that space, whether they want to own it or lease it and if they want it fitted out or shell and core.”
Under the industrial zoning, the site can be occupied by a diverse range of uses including storage, fulfilment, distribution and manufacturing. Potential occupies may include those within the construction industry (including skilled tradesmen, architects and surveyors), the creative or design sectors and IT related businesses.
“We are very conscious that the site has lain empty for several years and the impact this uncertainty has had on neighbours. By engaging with potential occupiers at this early stage, we can then negotiate with interested parties while also working on the design with planners so that life can finally be breathed into Route Militaire industrial site,” said Mr Haining.
Red fund is working with Watts Property Consultants who will collate all of the information.
“Having marketed and negotiated the sale of the site, we are delighted to be working with RED fund on the next chapter. It’s a different approach to ask for expressions of interest before work on the site begins and we are looking forward to speaking to businesses to understand what their future plans are to ensure that the future make up of development reflects the demand and needs,” said associate director Wing Lai.
Anyone wanting more information or to register an interest should contact Wing Lai at Watts Property Consultants on 740071 or email wing.lai@watts.property
