West Midlands
The Shropshire Commercial Property Market 10 minutes with James Evans on Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
Commercial Property Monthly caught up with James Evans, Head of Commercial Property at Halls Commercial. With over thirty years’ experience across the Midlands and beyond, James leads an award winning, multi-discipli- nary team of commercial property specialists. Today we discuss the ever-evolving market.
Kevin Phillips (KP): Let’s discuss the status of the Shropshire commercial property marketplace…
James Evans (JE): Economic policies coming from our current gov- ernment are causing distraction, this poses a challenge to pin down commercial market trends in 2025. Over the past year, the outlook has been quite changeable, however we are seeing a great deal of localisation, driving positive activity for sales, lettings and large acquisitions. For example, Shrewsbury is in a stronger position that smaller towns in the region like Wem.
KP: Taking a future view, what’s your outlook for the commercial property market in 2026?
JE: For the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, I expect the market to remain influenced by government policies, economic factors, and investor confidence. While it’s hard to predict with certainty, volatil- ity is likely to persist. Government decisions on tax relief, business rates, and planning legislation will significantly shape market trends. I foresee growth in specific sub-sectors, particularly industrial units, and in Shropshire’s more stable towns. Political decisions and market confidence will continue to drive the market’s evolution.
KP: Ok, looking across the sub-sectors…
JE: The industrial sub-sector remains strong, especially for inves- tors and owner-occupiers. With high construction costs, established industrial sites are in demand. For example, Smithfield Works, Oswestry sold for £1. 5 million, and Thorne Works, Dorrington is
It’s clear that while the market presents challenges, there are oppor- tunities for individuals and businesses that understand local dynam- ics, adapt and respond to market changes, whilst staying abreast with governmental updates. Having a dynamic, experience-led team of commercial property experts remains key.
Halls Commercial appointed on Shrewsbury’s new premier roadside development
Award-winning agents Halls Commercial have been appointed joint letting agents for a new premier roadside development on the edge of Shrewsbury.
Hazledine Park is owned by Shropshire Council and is being devel- oped by Cordwell Leisure Developments, experts in high quality, roadside developments. The modern, retail park is set for practical completion by autumn 2026.
The site is located 1. 3 miles to the south of Shrewsbury town cen- tre at the junction of Hazledine Way and Oteley Road, adjoining Bannatyne Health Club and Meole Brace Golf Club.
High profile commercial units on the park have already been pre-let to KFC, Starbucks and Indigo Sun. The remaining two units, which can be sub-divided, are now available through Halls Commercial in Shrewsbury. The units range from 1,498 ft sq to 4,887 ft sq, respectively.
James Evans, head of Halls Commercial, said: “We are delighted to have secured instructions to market the remaining units to let at Hazledine Park, a substantial, mixed used development in a strategic location with strong commercial potential.
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“Units have already been pre-let to top tier brands, prior to con- struction commencing and this is a fantastic opportunity for other businesses to join them. This new development will offer excellent roadside visibility with high traffic flows.”
With in excess of 100 shared parking spaces, the park will be accessed from Hereford Road which connects to the A5 and A49 trunk roads. The M54, which connects to the M6 and national motor- way network, is within a short drive.
Surrounded by a mixture of residential, retail and leisure areas, Hazledine Park is situated immediately north of Meole Brace Retail Park, which has a range of prominent retailers including Argos, Currys, Next, M&S and Sainsbury’s.
The full landlord’s specification and quoting terms are available from Mr Evans at Halls Commercial.
Halls Commercial was named Commercial Agency Team of the Year in last year’s Midland Property and Investment Awards.
The company was also a finalist the Commercial Agency of the Year category of National Property Awards 2025 at the weekend.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2025
under offer for £1. 495 million. Retail is more mixed. High street areas like Ludlow are seeing declines, with businesses closing or not renewing leases.
However, Shrewsbury shows signs of recovery. While national retail- ers struggle, closures like Bodycare in Shrewsbury and Welshpool offer opportunities to re-let prime units.
The owner-occupier market continues to see demand, but large dis- tribution units along motorways are facing challenges. High rents are deterring tenants, leaving many developers with vacant spaces.
KP: And looking forward over the next 5 years to 2030?
JE: The future market will be shaped by government policies, busi- ness rates, and economic sentiment. Adaptability will be key. Halls Commercial has outperformed in a challenging market thanks to our local expertise and client service.
It will remain an “opportunity-driven” market, where investors, guided by knowledgeable agents, can find high-yield opportunities even if sectors aren’t thriving.
KP: Reflecting on the past five years in the market…
JE: Over the past five years, the retail sector has re-based, with shift- ing demand putting pressure on high street properties. Local author- ity investment has also decreased, affecting yields. The post-COVID recovery is complicated by economic uncertainty, but the industrial sub-sector, driven by localisation and strong interest from investors, tenants, and owner-occupiers, is in a stronger position than in 2020.
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