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“West Kent Office Market Thrives Along A25 Corridor: A Blend of Modern Developments and Historic Conversions Attracts High Demand” By David Robinson founder Karrison Property Westerham


The West Kent office market, particularly


along


the A25 corridor from Sevenoaks to


Godstone,


continues to evolve, with a mix of modern schemes


and


conversions occupiers.


As


drawing a


characterful interest


commercial


from agent


involved in marketing a range of properties in this region, I’ve witnessed the shift in demand, the attraction of this area, and the specific factors driving


businesses presence here.


One of the standout projects is The Salters Heath Business


Centre, a blend of contemporary three an


exciting new office development offering


design and high-specification finishes. This centre has already attracted four businesses,


with units


available, ranging from 2,242 to 3,526 sq ft. What makes The Salters Heath Business Centre especially appealing is its sensible rent of £25 per sq ft per annum, a rate considerable


that attention, office environment


is drawing particularly


from companies seeking to improve their


for their


staff without the premium typically associated with central Sevenoaks.


Sustainability is a significant consideration for many businesses today, and Salters Heath excels in this area. It has achieved an EPC rating of A and a BREEAM “Very Good” rating, showcasing its strong environmental credentials. This is a crucial selling point, as businesses are increasingly conscious of their environmental footprint and the benefits of occupying energy-efficient buildings.


Another gem in our portfolio is Wolfelands, a Grade II* Listed building that has seen a surge of interest in 2024. Its unique character and prestigious status have drawn several high-profile tenants, adding to its appeal as a landmark office property in the region. It


offers a unique opportunity for


businesses looking for an office with heritage and grandeur, features that set it apart from more contemporary schemes.


to establish a The remodelled Horton Place in


Westerham is another significant addition to the West Kent market. Offering office suites from 1,000 to 3,200 sq ft, Horton Place meets the needs of businesses that require flexible, high-specification space. This modern development stands out as one of the most well-appointed buildings in the area, and with its contemporary design and state-of-the-art facilities, it offers excellent value compared to similar properties in central Sevenoaks.


The Squerryes Estate, renowned for its award-winning sparkling wine, has a number of well established office complexes providing


occupiers with a


range of converted former agricultural buildings, now serving as modern office space. Among these, the Cow Shed, a single-storey 850 sq ft office, and Lodges Wood Oast, a 1,845 sq ft converted oast, offer businesses a chance to operate in a rural yet highly connected setting just off the A25. These spaces blend historic charm with modern functionality, providing a unique workspace for businesses looking for something exceptional.


Demand for freehold offices from


owner-occupiers remains robust across the region. Unit 4, Churchill Court, a 3,400 sq ft office building in Westerham, has attracted several bidders, illustrating the strong appetite for ownership in the area.


Meanwhile, schemes such as the North Frith Farm complex between Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, where we are fully let, continue to see high occupancy levels, reflecting the sustained demand for well located office space with a countryside feel.


Finally, Sevenoaks town centre commands high rents, a trend that continues to push some businesses towards


the outskirts, where they


can secure high-grade office stock at more competitive prices, particularly in nearby towns such as Westerham.


In conclusion, the West Kent office market offers a diverse range of opportunities, from cutting-edge new developments to historic conversions, all well-connected by the A25 corridor. With strong demand across various sectors, the region continues


to appeal to businesses seeking both quality and value.


Bexley: A Great Place to Relocate


Bexley is in south-east London within the Thames Gateway. The borough covers 23 square miles, bordered by the Thames in the north, Bromley to the south, Greenwich to the west and Dartford to the east. It has more than 90 parks and woodland areas, making it one of the greenest boroughs in London. It is also recognised as one of the safest boroughs in London.


With river views, Bexley’s riverside stretches nine kilometres along the south bank of the Thames between Greenwich and Kent, it has one of the highest levels of available industrial land in London and a large local labour force. It is home to a significant logistics industry – hosting the likes of Tesco.com and Ocado - but also boasts a growing number of small and micro businesses.


It’s a Borough that has a


rich heritage, historic houses and landmarks and that is focussed on the future, enabling new development and nurturing innovation.


Bexley has excellent road and rail connections, with the Elizabeth Line service running from Abbey Wood in the north of the Borough through central London to Heathrow and Reading, and there are ambitions to take the service to Ebbsfleet in Kent connecting Bexley, Dartford, Gravesham and coastal East Kent.


Growth Strategy: the council has adopted a Growth Strategy, which is a propositional document setting out the boroughs potential to provide up to 31,500 new homes and 17,500 new jobs to 2050 should appropriate infrastructure be secured. The Strategic Vision states that Bexley will play a key part in helping London grow sustainably, whilst respecting the borough’s overall character and identity. New and existing communities will be strong, sustainable, cohesive and prosperous. A well- connected borough, both within and beyond Bexley, provides the key to securing growth opportunities for residents and businesses. People


across the borough will have a


better quality of life and improved wellbeing, supported by high quality housing, rewarding employment opportunities and effective local services and facilities.


Good growth will be secured by focussing new residential development on a series of


well-connected retained public transport heritage. The nodes,


making the most of Bexley’s riverside location and industrial areas


be improved and intensified, fostering the growing movement manufacturers.


for employment uses of


artisans and other borough’s


valued


suburban heartland and quality open spaces will be preserved and enhanced. Shopping, culture and leisure facilities will be vibrant, supported by innovative businesses.


industries and


The principles of the growth Strategy have been carried through to the Bexley Local Plan which sets out how good growth will be delivered to 2036.


70 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2024


Core industrial will


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