| the south west


IN MY VIEW T


he adage ‘Location, location, location’ is invariably associated with residential agents. However, it is just as relevant to commercial property, and the proof can be seen here in the South West. The South West is a location going from strength to strength, and this can been seen in


unprecedented demand for industrial and office space, and increasing prices for both.


Major regional developments have helped


Tim Davies


create impetus for growth in the South West. Construction of


the first nuclear power station in the UK for a generation is underway at Hinkley Point C in Somerset. The biggest investment in the Great Western Railway line since it was built by Brunel over 150 years ago is taking place, improving connectivity with London. Politically, the West of England Combined Authority with a single elected mayor for three authorities in the Greater Bristol


by Tim Davies, head of the South West office of Colliers International


region has created an opportunity to develop a West of England Powerhouse. Perhaps more interesting though, is the wider context in which the South West is flourishing. The chief economist at Colliers


driven more by the real economy (production, distribution, retail, domestic services) than by the virtual balance sheet economy, and is therefore not as sensitive as London-based internationally focused finance.


Already the aerospace sector in the


The chief economist at Colliers International, Walter Boettcher, recently highlighted the region’s major city, Bristol, as a ‘Brexit-resistant’ city driven by the real economy and therefore less vulnerable to concerns over Brexit.


International, Walter Boettcher, recently highlighted the region’s major city, Bristol, as a ‘Brexit-resistant’ city driven by the real economy and therefore less vulnerable to concerns over Brexit. Indeed, the South West as a whole is


INTERACTION CREATES TWO NEW WORKSPACES


nteraction, the office design and build experts based in Bath, have recently handed over two new workspaces in the heart of the Bristol – for SunLife and Jordans.


I


Both companies were looking to update their spaces after relocating, and for the new designs to facilitate enhanced collaboration and flexibility. SunLife’s updated space boasts clean lines and one-of-a-kind touches, including a handmade tree in the central breakout area! To ensure the design harked back to the building’s heritage and waterfront location, the creative minds at Interaction sourced and integrated retro soap advertisements, rustic brick-effect walls, a shipping telegraph and ship wheel. Unlike any other office in Bristol, the design combines practicality and visual appeal, but will also facilitate a new working culture for the team by providing more flexible working areas. Equally impressive, Jordans’ new workplace features spaces that cater for every working style, in addition to a “wow-factor” reception with slatted ceiling and partition wall details. Throughout the project, Jordans were impressed with the creativity and efficiency of the Interaction team, with Jane Shackleton (Head of Facilities and Procurement) describing how “we were told that you were the go-to fit-out people, and you have proved that throughout the process”.


The team were thrilled with the snag free process and finished


result, commenting how “the workspace looks fantastic, we are all delighted. It has been a pleasure working with all of you – and a joy to hold up the snag free board! Please thank your team for being professional, supportive, creative and attentive". SunLife and Jordans can now look forward to offering modernised workspaces for their staff members, in addition to creating a great first impression for visitors – factors that are great news for productivity and business growth.


76


South West is the largest cluster in the UK, including Rolls Royce, Airbus and Augusta Westland. Now we are also seeing growth in the region in the form of technical transformations within traditional industries – notably in the form of new Fintech applications – plus new tech hub activities such as virtual reality, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The South West is also benefitting from the global boom in online shopping, with the world’s best known online retailer Amazon recently choosing Bristol for a new fulfilment centre that will create 1,000 new jobs.


The increasing challenge we are facing is lack of industrial stock in the South West, particularly of big sheds. We are, therefore, delighted to be involved in a number of exciting new schemes such as Bridgwater Gateway Business Park, off J24 of the M5, and the speculative Symmetry Park near the M4 in Swindon.


SUSTAINABLE ECONOMIC GROWTH B


ristol City Council and its partners are working to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth and a key aspect


of this involves providing new homes: the Mayor has pledged to deliver 2,000 homes a year by 2020 and beyond, 800 of which will be affordable. Key areas being targeted are the City Centre, Temple


Quarter, Avonmouth Severnside and South Bristol. City Centre. Ambitious plans to regenerate Callowhill Court, part of the Broadmead shopping area. The centre is also benefitting from investment in transport, homes, commercial space and cultural infrastructure. The MetroBus project, linking the centre to the North Fringe and South Bristol, is providing more reliable traffic flows and an enhanced public realm. Bristol Temple Quarter. One of the largest urban regeneration projects in the UK. With Temple Meads station at its core and it is fast becoming a new destination to live, work and enjoy leisure time. It is home to innovative projects, from infrastructure to housing to commercial space, alongside rapidly growing clusters of small and start-up businesses, particularly creative, digital and hi-tech sectors. The University of Bristol plans to build a new £300 million campus, transforming the derelict sorting office site. South Bristol. Proposals are being developed for a major housing development at Hengrove Park and Hartcliffe Campus. They complement existing community infrastructure at Hengrove Park, housing development underway at Filwood Park, business space at Filwood Green Business Park and Bottle Yard Studios. For further information on these projects, please email business@bristol.gov.uk


COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MONTHLY 2017 SUPPORTING INCLUSIVE AND


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108