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38. Swift uptake of new high-quality units at new business park in Rotherham

This major 64,000 sq. ft development, at Forge Way in the Parkgate area of Rotherham, was built speculatively by local developer E V Waddington and offers 10 industrial and manufacturing units.  Like many speculative industrial developments in South Yorkshire, viability was a challenge, so the developer successfully secured European Regional Development Fund to plug the funding gap.  A requirement of the funding was to produce a Summative Assessment of the project.  They commissioned Kada to conduct a review.

It was evident from our initial site visit this was a high quality development, designed with the utmost flexibility and suitable for manufacturing and industrial use.  There was quick take up and the tenants we spoke to really liked the units which were flexible, high quality and had good links to public transport.  The project was located strategically in a Sheffield Rotherham corridor that has a high concentration of advanced manufacturing firms.  The units were all built to a BREEAM specification, with solar power LED lights to the office and warehouse.

This is great example of SMEs investing in industrial space in the heart of Sheffield City Region. The local developer has done similar schemes elsewhere and knew exactly what local industrial firms were looking for – modern and flexible space in a well-connected location. Many of the tenants we spoke to intended to provide new employment opportunities, and this scheme provides a valuable addition to the local business economy.

Karl Dalgleish (Study Director).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about an impact assessment of a physical project or programme you are involved with, speak to karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and he will respond within 24 hours.