The North East


Ashalls Delivering Quality Projects to Meet Local Needs


Six Centre Square in Middlesbrough Ashalls has been developing property for nearly a century.


The business began in the 1930s building houses and has evolved to become the award-winning commercial property developer it is today, delivering projects with an investment value of more than £500m in recent years.


These projects include the Centre Square Grade A offices scheme in Middlesbrough, a number of internationally branded hotels and – working with another developer – Cobalt Business Park in North Tyneside, the UK’s largest office park.


But while the focus of the business has changed over time, the main elements of Ashall’s methods remain the same.


“The starting point for us for any potential project is to develop an understanding of the local markets in which we are looking to operate,” said Mark Ashall, Managing Director of Projects and grandson of the business’ founder.


“While many towns and cities share a number of characteristics no two locations are the same and it is important that each development takes account of these differences and local requirements.”


He added: “This process invariably comprises a combination of formal research and spending time in the market talking to the local council, local agents and other key stakeholders.”


This strategy was exemplified in the business’ most recent major project. The development of the original Centre Square concept grew through a series of discussions with Middlesbrough Council and commercial property agents working in the Tees Valley.


They had identified that it had become increasingly difficult to both attract new employers to the town as well as preventing existing occupiers from moving elsewhere. Both groups were vital to the local economy, with


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they and their staff providing essential footfall and spend to support local businesses. It was apparent that this could only be addressed by providing new or additional Grade A office space.


Having pinpointed a need, the second factor in any Ashall development is the delivery of a consistently high quality product which is designed, built and equipped to match requirements.


Mark said it is no secret that lower investment valuations in the North of England have made property development a challenge in recent years. Rents here are lower than in major cities in other parts of the country, resulting in smaller construction budgets.


Despite this he stressed the importance of Northern businesses offering an attractive working environment. It is key to recruiting and retaining staff whose contribution and productivity are central to the success of any business.


“As a result, when designing our buildings we work closely with our professional team to deliver the light and airy spaces which people working in offices understandably require, while also incorporating sustainable and energy efficient features which reduce running costs for employers as well as lessening the environmental impact.


“Achieving this when budgets are tight is difficult - and normally involves a great deal of value engineering - but the results at Centre Square speak for themselves.”


Despite the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic, there are now more than 1,500 staff working in the three new Centre Square buildings. The development has attracted high profile businesses such as the insurance giant AXA UK, GB Bank – which has established its head office there – and Firstsource, the global business process solutions company. Its decision to move to Centre Square marked the biggest letting in Middlesbrough in a quarter of a century.


COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2023


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