Whybrow News Archive
Unit 4, Easter Park, Axial Way, Colchester
Acting on behalf of Easter Developments, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have sold a modern warehouse / industrial unit of 7,720 sq.ft. on their completed Easter Park development at Cuckoo Farm, Colchester to M R Currell Ltd.
Forming part of the 150,000 sq.ft. first phase, this freehold sale follows major transactions with Acoustica Ltd, Ferraris Piston Services, Audio Visual Ltd, Kee Action Sports, Lubina Kitchens and Sports Supplements.
The purchaser is relocating their business from Clacton on Sea and Ewan Dodds comments: “against a continuing backdrop of economic uncertainty, this development which provides immediate access to the A12 (Junction 28) and industrial units of the highest quality and specification, continues to prove very popular and the transactions we have agreed to local, regional, national and international occupiers highlight this. Only two units of 6,000 sq.ft and 7,500 sq.ft. remain on both a freehold and leasehold basis out of this ten unit scheme.”
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De Gray Business Centre - SOLD to Brennan Trust
Acting on behalf of B J Moon and J A Pitt acting as Joint Fixed Receivers, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have completed the sale of a part-completed office development in Colchester to the Brennan Trust at close to the asking price of £1,450,000 (One million, four hundred and fifty thousand pounds).
Initially constructed and part completed by a local development company, The Point comprises seventeen individual, two storey office buildings ranging from 1,300 sq.ft. to 2,300 sq.ft. and totalling some 31,000 sq.ft. standing in part wooded grounds, totalling nearly 2 acres. With three buildings already let to Fircastle Ltd, Actronics and Argo Cargo the purchasers intend occupying Units 10, 12 and 14 totalling some 5,000 sq.ft. as their headquarters which they will be relocating from Colchester Business Park.
Commenting on the sale, Ewan Dodds of Whybrow states the following “having been instructed by the Receivers to undertake a marketing campaign we are delighted to have secured this excellent sale to the Brennan Trust against strong competition, again reinforcing the appeal of Colchester as a major economic centre and demand for both well located, well designed and competitively priced buildings. This development is situated immediately adjacent to Colchester Business Park and offers easy access to the town’s new A12 Junction (Junction 28). We are also delighted that the Brennan Group will be occupying three of the units for their own business and we understand their aim is to complete the remaining unfinished buildings on freehold and leasehold basis”
Tom Brennan for the Brennan Trust commented “My objective with this development is to create a small community of professional business organisations who are all committed to sharing a space that projects a high quality image. The complex will be re branded as De Grey Square and will be subject to infrastructure upgrades to bring the development to the required standard.”
The purchaser was unrepresented.
TODAYS TOP TIP ......
Winter Driving
Prevent problems before they occur:
Top 10 tips
1. Get your vehicle ready for winter
2. Check the condition of your tyres
3. Pack an emergency kit.
4. Learn and practice winter driving techniques before you need them.
5. Plan your trip, check road and weather conditions.
6. Remove all snow from your vehicle before each trip.
7. Give yourself extra travel time in bad weather.
8. Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads.
9. Travel with a fully charged mobile phone.
10. SLOW DOWN and WEAR your seatbelt.
Prevention is better than recovery
PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE IN WEST STREET
PARKING SPACES AVAILABLE NOW
CLOSE TO TOWN CENTRE
£675 PER ANNUM - UNDER £13 PER WEEK
RELIEF FROM STAMP DUTY FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
At present first-time buyers can claim a relief from Stamp Duty if the amount paid for the property is under £250,000. However it is worth remembering that from the 25th March 2012 the relief will only apply if the amount paid for the property is under £125,000.
TODAYS TOP TIP ......
As winter approaches, consider draining down the water and central heating system in any unoccupied properties, in order to avoid the risk of pipes bursting due to freezing.
TODAYS TOP TIP ......
As from 1st July 2011 property owners will no longer be responsible for a private sewer which serves more than one property the ownership of which will be transferred to the local water company. Sewer transfer will relieve maintenance and clarify ownership.
Property developers need to pay particular attention as they will be required to enter into an Adoption Agreement before a connection can be made to ensure minimum build standards.
Septic tanks, cesspits and connecting pipework will not be transferred.
For more information contact Andrew McLeod, Director Professional Services.
TODAYS TOP TIP ......
At Lease Renewals rents can go down or up if market conditions support it - If in doubt, take advice.
DANIELLS HOUSE - REDUCED PRICE
17 Daniells House, Colchester Road, West Bergholt has been reduced in price. To see further details please look on our residential page.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
17 Daniells House, Colchester Road, West Bergholt.
To view further details click on our residential tab.
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
As a tenant an ingoing Schedule of Condition can only be relied on to limit your repairing obligations if it is referred to in the lease and annexed to it.
OPEN MORNING AT ABBERTON GRANGE, ABBERTON
Whybrow Residential would like to invite all prospective purchasers to a coffee and open morning at Abberton Grange, Layer Road, Abberton being held on Friday 30th September 2011.
These prestigious two bedroom apartments have been designed exclusively for the Over 55's and come with decked areas and balconies and are set in the grounds of a listed building.
Interested?? Then why not join us for a coffee at 11am.
KENDALL ROAD PROPERTY REDUCED
This 3 bedroom modern detached house in the popular New Town area has been reduced to just £165,000. For full details or to view please contact us on 01206 577667
WHYBROW ACQUIRE McLEOD WRIGHT
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are delighted to announce the acquisition of McLeod Wright Chartered Surveyors from the 20th July 2011. Established in Colchester since 1985 and operating predominantly throughout Essex and Suffolk as well and the eastern region, this acquisition will extend and strengthen the company’s present in Essex.
Formed in 1974 McLeod Wright provides commercial agency, professional and building surveying services from its offices in Braintree which the Company will continue to operate from. Andrew McLeod FRICS, one of its founding partners will take over from Rob Weston BSc (Est Man) FRICS following his retirement and will concentrate on the Company’s professional business specialising in valuations, rent reviews, lease renewals and rating together with his ongoing work in the agency and building surveying sectors where in particular he specialises in timber buildings.
Commenting on the acquisition, Managing Director of Whybrow, Ewan Dodds BSc FRICS adds “We have been actively seeking to expand our presence throughout the Region and the acquisition of Andrew’s long established business with its active presence in the mid and south-Essex area provides an ideal fit and platform for our expansion plans. Andrew will bring to our business a wealth of experience and expertise and we are looking forward to working closely with him and his client base in the future”.
ARLEY GRANGE, DEDHAM - 7 BEDROOM HOME FOR SALE
Set within impressive ten acre grounds and overlooking the magnificent Dedham Vale, Arley Grange which is situated just off the A12 and on the main entrance into Stratford St Mary, offers seven bedrooms alongside dining, lounge and playroom areas.
The property also offers a variety of outbuildings including formal garden, paddocks, stabling, barn, haystore and attractive meadow areas, and is a unique opportunity for either family occupation, equestrian use or other commercial opportunities subject to planning. Having been partly refurbished, the asking price has recently been reduced to £775,000.
This is an excellent prospect to acquire an impressive home in large grounds situated on the Essex and Suffolk border. For further information please contact Ewan Dodds on 01206 577667.
WHYBROW REAP REWARDS FOR COMMITMENT TO STAFF TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce that Christopher Ware who works within the agency department has successfully obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Real Estate Management. Christopher has been studying for the past three years at the Anglian Ruskin University to obtain this qualification, which builds upon his Human Geography degree and makes him eligible to complete his professional training and become a qualified surveyor.
Christopher of Whybrow said 'I am delighted to have passed and I am now looking forward to progressing my professional training. Throughout my studies at Whybrow I have been provided with excellent support which I know will continue as I look to achieve MRICS status'.
Ewan Dodd's managing director at Whybrow said 'We are very pleased with Christopher’s achievement which will only strengthen our team and now look for him to begin his APC. This further cements Whybrow’s commitment to staff training and development for which we have previously won awards in 2004, 2005 and 2006.'
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
If you are in responsible for the provision of the water supply to a building, remember that you must adhere to Health and Safety law regarding the control of Legionnella. This will usually consist of a risk assessment and subsequent water testing, and regular purging of water pipes and storage tanks.
PARKING CLOSE TO TOWN CENTRE
Whybrow are pleased to advise they have four parking spaces to offer at West Street Car Park. These will be available from 24th June 2011. Please view further details on these via our Investments & Other tab.
NEW FREEHOLD PROPERTY AVAILABLE IN CLACTON
New to the market is 7-9 Pallister Road, Clacton consisting of 753 sq.ft. retail space and benefiting from 2 one bedroom flats above. View full details by pasting this link into your search bar
http://www.whybrow.net/pr_details.php?id=695
1st Floor, Century House South, Riverside Office Centre, North Station Road, Colchester
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful letting of 3,965 sq.ft. at the Riverside Office Centre. This letting follows their recent re-appointment on the scheme back in March of this year.
This first floor office accommodation is located in Century House South and has been let to The Royal Association for Deaf people who will relocate from their out of town headquarter offices to a more central location.
Christopher Ware at Whybrow said of the letting “we are delighted to have secured such a significant letting on one of the largest suites that the office complex provides. The office centre provides good quality suites ranging from 210 – 8,500 sq.ft. which are available to be let on new flexible lease terms at rents from £8 per sq.ft.”
For further information on the above or the scheme please contact Christopher Ware at Whybrow Chartered Surveyors – 01206 577667 or our joint agent Newman Commercial on 01206 854545.
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
If you have a multi-let property, consider setting up a sinking fund to cover the cost future high expenditure items such as lifts, roofs and access roads. Otherwise you may be faced with essential repairs that neither you nor the tenants can afford to pay.
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
Property sales and letting particulars often contain a number of acronyms which can be confusing to a new business. Here is a summary of the key ones. P.A.X = Per Annum Exclusive. R.V = Rateable Value.
THE HEALTH CAMPAIGN CONTINUES ................
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors last Thursday welcomed Helena Fahie’s Alcohol Champions to the office to speak to all staff about the effects of alcohol. The event was booked following on from the NHS Alcohol Awareness Week.
Sue Bennett, Workplace Health Champion said “everyone was a little apprehensive before meeting with Helena’s team however this was really good fun. We did a quick quiz about alcohol and its effects, learned how much alcohol is in a unit and played a few games centred around drinking – although no alcohol was consumed on the premises!”
Scott Barlow, Director says “It was a very interesting event. It is surprising how little alcohol you have to consume to put yourself into a high risk category. Stress in the workplace is a real problem at the moment, however it is clear that alcohol is not the solution.”
Whybrow are continuing to utilise the NHS Health Trainers to run short courses throughout the year in a bid to improve staff morale, health and general well being.
WHYBROW CONTINUING WITH HEALTH CAMPAIGN
Further to Whybrow’s commitment to a healthier workforce the fruit bowl was introduced after the health checks and is now a regular feature in the kitchen. This is replenished with different fruits on a weekly basis and is well received by the staff.
Christopher Ware comments “This has been an excellent initiative and the variety in fruit has been well received. I wouldn't normally come close to my five a day but this is certainly helping”.
Sue Bennett, Workplace Health Champion says “I wasn’t sure how this would be received when it was suggested however our managing director, Ewan Dodds fully backed this and we certainly haven’t looked back since. It’s great that all the staff have increased their five a day portions due to this initiative.”
“Further plans now that the summer is on the way are regular lunchtime walks to Hilly Fields and around the town and we have a workshop set up for middle of May which again is run by the NHS Health Trainers.”
“We have also looked at our travel situation and how our staff are getting to and from work and with the help of Colchester 2020 Travel Club are now looking for initiatives to encourage people to walk or cycle.”
Our philosophy is that a healthy office is a productive office.
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
First impressions are crucial. Curb appeal is vital - A tidy front garden, clean windows and a well-kept front door are essential. Remember, buyers make up their minds within about 30 seconds of walking through the door.
NEW INSTRUCTION - ECKERSLEY ROAD, CHELMSFORD
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce their appointment on the Eckersley Road Industrial Estate, Chelmsford where there are currently three units available on this centrally located site. The estate is an excellent home to both start up and existing businesses and provides easy access to the A12 and M25 and is within a short walking distance of Chelmsford railway station which offers a mainline service to London Liverpool Street.
The three available units comprise steel framed and brick construction under a lined insulated roof with translucent roof panels. The units also benefit from roller shutter doors, forecourt parking and eaves heights of approximately 10ft. They range from approximately 838 sq.ft. to 979 sq.ft. with asking rents from £10,056 per annum exclusive.
Christopher Ware of Whybrow said “this is an excellent instruction not only because of the quality of product available but it is also testament to the property services that we can provide in South Essex.”
WHYBROW - ONE OF MOST ACTIVE AGENTS IN ESSEX !
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have been hailed as one of Essex’s most active agents in a recent survey by the Estates Gazette.
Ewan Dodds Managing Director of Whybrow said of this “We are very pleased to have come third in this category and hope that the remainder of the year will see us improve on this. We have completed over 100 transactions which have ranged in value and type of commercial property which is testament to our diversification and delivery of results.”
“Our most notable transactions have included the letting of Unit 10 Easter Park, the sale of Southway House and 9 & 10 Trinity Street both substantial town centre properties. We also achieved full occupancy for one of our town centre serviced offices at the start of 2010 which given the economic climate at the time was an excellent achievement.”
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
Arley Grange Ipswich Road, Dedham
Guide Price £850,000
Arley Grange, a seven bedroom detached property which has been substantially extended in recent years and set on a plot of approx. 10 acres (subject to survey) close to Dedham and Stratford St Mary, overlooking a valley and enjoying views towards the village of Langham. Could suit alternative use.
• 7 Bedrooms
• 3 Reception Rooms
• Possible Equestrian Use
• Could suit alternative use subject to planning consent
• Approached via Electric Gates
• Plot approx. 10 acres (subject to survey)
• Potential Kitchen
• Part Oil Heating (not tested)
• Stables and Hay Barn
• Double Garage
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
Buyers start their search online, for instance on Rightmove. Make certain your agent uses excellent exterior and interior photos that present properties to best advantage.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
2nd Apartment NOW SOLD – Only 3 remain – Viewings Available
Third Avenue, Frinton on Sea, Essex CO13 9EQ
Prices from £290,000
Whybrow Residential are pleased to announce just three 2 bedroom luxury apartments now remain within a beautiful renovation, situated in one of the most sought after tree lined avenues, yards from the magnificent seafront and just a short walk from the golf club and town centre.
Private Balconies or ground floor terrace
Luxury Kitchens with Neff appliances including fridge / freezer and dishwasher
Beautifully equipped Bathrooms with Heritage Ravoque sanitaryware
Gas heating
Allocated Car space
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
Landlord & Tenant - Read your Lease and watch out for "time of the essence" in clauses triggering rent reviews and options to break.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
EAST ST, COLCHESTER £185,000
A well presented Grade II Listed cottage believed to date from approx 1692 and situated in the historic eastern quarter of Colchester, ideal for the town and commuting. Many original features and rear cottage gardens make this an ideal 1st home or weekend retreat.
• 2 Principal Bedrooms
• 2nd Reception Room / Guest Bedroom
• Maple Flooring to Ground floor
• Exposed beams and studwork
• Cottage style rear garden
• Delightful Sitting Room with adjoining dining area
• Kitchen with De Longhi Stainless Steel range
• Galleried landing with access to large loft
• Gas Heating (not tested)
• Allocated Parking space to rear
RE-INSTRUCTION FOR WHYBROW
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce their reappointment on the Riverside Office Centre, Colchester, a scheme the Company are delighted to have been involved with for much of the past 25 years. This established office complex is located on North Station Road midway between both Colchester’s main railway station and the town centre and very close to a variety of shop and other local amenities as well.
The office centre provides good quality suites ranging from 210 sq.ft. to 8,500 sq.ft. which are available to be let on new flexible lease terms at rents from £8 per sq.ft. These modern offices provide an open plan format and benefit from suspended ceilings, carpeting, lighting, WC and kitchenette facilities and allocated on-site car parking.
Christopher Ware of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors said “we are delighted to once again be appointed as letting agents for this office scheme which Whybrow has had a long involvement with dating back to the mid-1980’s. This involvement has not only included lettings but also dilapidation advice and project management, and in particular the refurbishment of the common parts in 2007 which carried a project value of circa £250,000. We are confident that through our own efforts and working alongside our joint agents, Newman Commercial we will achieve good levels of occupation, starting with a letting of a suite of 4,000 sq.ft. which we have already recently placed under offer to a major national occupier.
For further information on any of these suites please contact Whybrow on 01206 577667 or our joint agent, Newman Commercial on 01206 854545.
PROPERTY OF THE WEEK
£169,995
The current owners are a young couple who have combined the charm of cottage living with a contemporary twist, where for instance the lovely cottage gardens have been supplemented by a raised decking area with uplighters to the rear, the garden areas are well stocked, yet easy to maintain.
Inside the property is cosy with an appeal that will either attract those looking for their first home or a Suffolk weekend retreat yet within reach of the A12 and A14 trunk roads.
2 bedrooms and dressing room / Bed 3
Original stripped doors with brass fittings
Delightful sitting room with fireplace
Bathroom / wc with Heritage fittings
Fitted Kitchen with walk in pantry
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
Make your agent work. Choose the one that has recently sold the most homes similar to yours and ask them to set out their marketing strategy and expected timescale to find a buyer.
We Even Survey Air Raid Shelters
The Building Surveying department at Whybrow often look at a wide range of property types and uses, however an underground air-raid shelter was even a first for them. The mass concrete shelter was discovered in the grounds of Springland Day Nursery during recent landscaping works.
Whybrow were called in to appraise the structure, which the nursery wishes to open up as a living museum for their own children and also local schools. Following his inspection, Scott Barlow, commented “For an underground structure built over 70 years ago it is in a remarkably good condition. There is no cracking evident and other than some condensation to the ceiling, it is amazingly dry. Based on the size we would imagine it was part of a residential property and probably had enough room for a family of four, at a squeeze. We are delighted to be able to assist Springland Day Nursery with this interesting project and look forward to visiting them again in the future.”
Blomfield Place, St Botolphs Street, Colchester
After an extensive marketing campaign Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful letting of Suites 1 and 3, Blomfield Place, Colchester. The property, which provides circa 5,000 sq.ft was recently refurbished and project managed by Whybrow Chartered Surveyors Building Surveying department. This initiative significantly transformed the accommodation which is now let to the Al-Qalam Institute.
Christopher Ware of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors said “in this difficult economic climate it is important that landlords consider any expenditure on their property carefully to ensure quality of work and that it safeguards their investment. This was certainly achieved at Blomfield Place and we are delighted with to have been involved in both the refurbishment work and letting negotiations to achieve this result.”
The asking price for the property was £17,500 per annum exclusive.
NEW APPOINTMENT FOR WHYBROW’S MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew Brewer to our company. Andrew joins us after previously taking part in a mentoring scheme between Ewan Dodds of Whybrow and Anglia Ruskin University. He has taken the role of assistant to both Michael Devine in the Property Management Department and Scott Barlow in the Building Surveying Department.
He has previously worked at Zeta Compliance Services inspecting commercial water systems, as well as gaining work experience working for both the residential development company, Weston Homes and its sister company Stansted Environmental Services. He graduated from Anglia Ruskin University in September 2010 with a First Class honours degree in Building Surveying.
Michael says of the appointment “We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the company, where we are sure that his technical knowledge will prove a great asset to both the building surveying and property management departments.”
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
Keep the price competitive - a good-value price tag is what sparks off bidding wars. Don’t be swayed by the estate agent who offers you the highest valuation and lowest fee. Use the Land Registry website (landregistry.gov.uk) to find out exactly what properties are selling for in your area and make certain your estate agent gives you evidence that supports their valuation.
WHYBROW PLEDGE HEALTHIER LIFESTYLES
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Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have pledged to lead a healthier lifestyle this year and to kick this off, the staff and directors were all offered NHS Health Checks last week at their offices in Church Street.
Sue Bennett, Workplace Health Champion at Whybrow said “What better time than after the excesses of the festive season to arrange for Karen Stimpson and her team to carry out these health checks, the staff and directors have been really supportive in this and we are planning to continue this health drive throughout the year with lunchtime walks and healthy eating initiatives.”
Ewan Dodds, Managing Director adds “despite the photograph, I really thought I was fitter and this health check has been a real lifestyle check and given me and all my colleagues very clear goals for the future to ensure a healthier lifestyle for us all and importantly to ensure we can be more productive and effective in the workplace”
Photo (Ewan Dodds participating in his Health Check with Karen Stimpson, NHS Health Trainer)
WHYBROW HAVE NEW DIRECTOR
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce that Scott Barlow has accepted the position of Director with the Company. Scott returned to Whybrow in 2010 as an Associate Director and said of his new appointment “It is a great honour to be asked to be a Director again, and I very much look forward to supporting my fellow Directors in driving Whybrow forward.”
Ewan Dodds, Managing Director added "we are thrilled that Scott has rejoined us and accepted our offer to become a Director of the firm after his time in the public sector and we are again looking to build on the reputation we have in the Building Surveying sector where over recent years we specialised in the fields of dilapidations and party wall matters and particularly with project management where we have successfully delivered projects up to £1.5m.”
Photo – Ewan Dodds (left) and Scott Barlow (right)
TODAY'S TOP TIP ......
It’s a buyer’s market. But with few sellers around, there is competition for sales. Be aware of your competition and expect your agent to advise you on the best sales strategy for your home.
WHYBROW ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Last night Directors and staff here at Whybrow welcomed friends and clients of the company to celebrate our 25th Anniversary. Dr Todd Landman of Essex University entertained guests with his mystical, mid bending magic and baffled everyone including Ewan Dodds, Managing Director by reading his mind, something staff here were in envy of! and guests enjoyed some late festive drinks, the celebration having been delayed from December due to the heavy snowfall.
Ewan Dodds said of the evening " We were thrilled to welcome so many long standing friends to help us celebrate our anniversary party. 25 years of business in Colchester and the surrounding area and being a real part of the business community makes us very proud and with an economic environment that continues to look testing we hope our core values of service and innovation will enable us to continue growing our business in future years”
Building Surveying Update - 2010
As the year draws to a close, the Building Surveying department has completed the successful project management of three refurbishment schemes. The project track records for these projects can be found by following this link http://www.whybrow.net/surveying.php
Scott Barlow, head of Building Surveying commented " It is nice to have completed these projects before the year end. It has been an exciting year and I have very much enjoyed my return to Whybrow. The Building Surveying department is continuing to grow, in what is still a challenging climate. It is fair to say that a large proportion of the departments work has been focussed on dilapidations, having dealt with over £1million in claims over the last 8 months, however project management and pre-acquisition instructions have also made up a reasonable share of the workload. We have some interesting projects lined up for 2011, although there is always room for more!"
9/10 TRINITY STREET - SOLD
Acting on behalf of the former partners of Marshall LLP solicitors, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors and their joint agents Savills are delighted to announce the sale of their freehold interest in 9/10 Trinity Street, Colchester to the Youth Enquiry Service at close to the asking price of £375,000. Marshall Legal have merged with Ellisons of Headgate Court, Head Street, Colchester and continue to practice there.
Extending to 3,925 sq.ft. (364.6 sq.m), this period office building dating from the 16th Century is known to have been the home and office of a lawyer as long ago as 1678 and had been the offices of Marshall Legal from 1970.
The property benefits from six parking spaces and an attractive walled garden.
Commenting on the sale, Ewan Dodds, Managing Director of Whybrow adds “it is always pleasing to be involved in the sale of a property that reflects such an important part of the town’s history and the sale was only concluded after lengthy negotiations between the respective parties and their professional advisors, further demonstrating that a combination of dedication, perseverance and tenacity, attributes that are all vital in today’s property market can still bring the right results.”
The purchaser represented themselves.
University of Essex spin-out company UltraSoC Technologies secures £2million investment
As featured on the University of Essex Website
Octopus Investments is investing £2million in UltraSoC Technologies Ltd, a pioneering company developing advanced debugging technology for the embedded electronic systems increasingly used in many everyday products from cars to mobile phones.
UltraSoC was spun-out from the universities of Essex and Kent in 2008 after being founded by Cambridge entrepreneur Dr Karl Heeks and Professor Klaus McDonald-Maier, Research Director at the University of Essex’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.
The company is developing UltraDebugTM, an advanced debugging technology for multiple processor systems used to debug the application software that delivers the functionality and performance in many modern embedded electronic systems.
Professor McDonald-Maier, who is also Chief Technical Officer at UltraSoC, said: ‘This funding will help us to develop the technology into a licensable product. We have received huge support and interest from system-integrators and end-users in a broad range of application areas.’
Quick and efficient debugging of embedded electronic systems is growing in importance as these embedded systems are being used in more and more products such as laptops, smartphones and data processing systems.
The funding from Octopus Investments will help develop the technology platform into a licensable product and will see the technical and marketing operation expanded at UltraSoC’s main office in Cambridge.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Essex, Professor Colin Riordan, said: ‘It is a tremendous achievement for UltraSoC to obtain this level of funding in the current economic climate.
‘The fact the company has managed to secure significant financing throughout its development shows the quality of the technology and the team involved.
‘We are extremely pleased that world-class research at this University is being used to develop cutting-edge products with huge potential to open up valuable new markets for British-based businesses.’
Dr Heeks, Chief Executive Officer at UltraSoC, said: ‘We are delighted to have closed this series A investment with Octopus and believe that their experience and
contacts, as well as their funding, will bring much additional value to our Company.’
Luke Hakes from Octopus said: ‘UltraSoC epitomises the type of early-stage business we are looking to partner with at Octopus. The core team and its advisory board are of an exceptional standard and they have the drive and ambition we search for in our own staff.
‘We believe they are capable of delivering a world class, market-changing product that will be very difficult to displace. We are looking forward to working with the team to help them achieve this goal.’
The core technology being used by UltraSoC was initially supported by substantial funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). In 2009 seed funding worth £400,000 was secured from the South East Seed Fund and Iceni Seedcorn Fund which allowed the company to open an office in Cambridge and progress the research work into a technology demonstrator.
Knowledge Gateway, University of Essex - Visionary architect to design international beacon for democracy
As featured on the University of Essex Website.
World-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind has been chosen to design a landmark building in the UK to house a new international institute working towards democracy and conflict resolution around the globe.
The new Institute for Democracy and Conflict Resolution (IDCR) at the University of Essex will build on the University’s 40 years of practical and academic expertise in the field of human rights, justice and governance, and become an international beacon for democracy.
It will be the largest purpose-built institute for independent research and policy analysis in these areas, drawing on Essex’s experience as the top ranked University in the UK for social science research.
Daniel Libeskind, who won the competition to design the master plan for the new World Trade Center site in New York, has designed the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester, and the Danish Jewish Museum in Copenhagen. He studied for a Master’s degree in the history and theory of architecture at the University of Essex in the 1970s.
Daniel and his wife Nina Libeskind have a passionate interest in work which promotes democracy and conflict resolution, and have pledged their support to the University’s fundraising campaign for the Institute.
Professor Todd Landman, Director of the IDCR, said: “The focus of this newly-formed Institute will be unique in combining rigorous social scientific research and policy analysis with practical experience and attention to democracy, human rights and justice.
“We are delighted that Daniel Libeskind has been chosen to design the iconic building we need to expand and develop our embryonic work. The building will evoke a powerful reaction from visitors, while conveying the seriousness and purpose of an international institute.”
The multi-million pound building will provide accommodation for researchers, training, lectures, seminars and consultancy activities, and at its heart will be a moot court, to enable participants to take part in simulated court proceedings. It will anchor the University of Essex’s new Knowledge Gateway research park, an expansion of its Colchester Campus. It will provide space for organisations ranging from policy institutes, law firms and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to work with academics and practitioners.
Professor Landman explained: “IDCR is already working with international and national partner organisations and developing a profile of work with societies in need of assistance in areas such as parliamentary strengthening and assessing the quality of democratic governance. We can only meet the growing demand for this work by developing purpose-built facilities designed to help organisations to work together to develop lasting solutions.”
Daniel Libeskind said: “I consider it an honor to be involved in a project with such visionary humanitarian objectives. I have always believed that democratic openness and conflict resolution is critical not only in the political sphere but in the making of architectural space.”
Experts from the University of Essex have held a number of key positions in the United Nations including the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, senior adviser to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and member of the UN Human Rights Committee. The University’s legal experts have conducted cases in Strasbourg, establishing far-reaching precedents that have shaped the jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights.
The University’s Human Rights Centre, which was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2010 for its work in advancing human rights, has trained more than 1,500 students from more than 100 countries. They too work for international organisations including the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and non-governmental organisations including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. Essex graduates also work in the field in conflict-torn countries including Bosnia, Kosovo, Nepal and Sudan.
SOUTHWAY HOUSE - SOLD
Southway House, Southway, Colchester
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have sold the freehold interest in Southway House, Colchester to a consortium of local investors / business owners.
Extending to 8,055 sq.ft. (748 sq.m) over ground and two upper floors, this prominent office building situated on the southern edge of Colchester town centre benefits from fifteen basement car parking spaces, air conditioning and an eight person passenger lift. The purchaser represented themselves.
Ewan Dodds BSc FRICS, Managing Director of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors comments “this is one of a significant number of prominent buildings in the town centre that we have sold in recent months, others including a mixed retail office building at 34/38 Queen Street, of 7,800sq.ft which again had remained vacant for over three years and 78/80 Culver Street East, a major retail shop of 4,000sq.ft immediately adjacent to the prime Lion Walk Shopping Centre These sales reflect the continuing appeal of Colchester as a major centre for business and are clear indications that well located and priced commercial opportunities can still generate quality levels of interest”
"GREAT PLEASURE TO DEAL WITH WHYBROW"
16 St Botolphs Street, Colchester
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful letting of 16 St Botolphs Street, Colchester. Acting on behalf of a private client the property was let on a five year full repairing and insuring lease. The asking rent for the property was £14,000 per annum exclusive.
The property provides accommodation over ground and first floor levels with a sales area of 620 sq.ft. This unit is occupied by Glamour Bump who retail a range of maternity clothing and associated items.
Christopher Ware of Whybrow said “there has been a lot recent press highlighting the fact that this area of Colchester is attracting good quality retailers and this letting further cements that. This letting, in combination with the recent sale of 34-38 Queen Street is evidence of positive commercial activity for this part of Colchester”
Andy Lee of Glamour Bump comments “I found it a great pleasure to deal with Whybrow and all their staff, they made the whole daunting experience for me an easy and simple task as this was the first business I have set up, it feels an honour to join the community of retailers down St Botolphs street who I must add are very friendly and helpful.”
WHYBROW COMPLETE LARGEST INDUSTRIAL LETTING COLCHESTER HAS SEEN FOR 5 YEARS!
Unit 10 Easter Park, Axial Way, Colchester, Essex
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are delighted to announce the largest industrial letting in Colchester for five years at Easter Developments 150,000 sq.ft Easter Park scheme in north Colchester.
Unit 10, extending to 32,000 sq.ft and occupying a prominent main road frontage has been let to Acoustica Manufacturing Limited by way of a new ten year lease at £178,000 per annum exclusive. Over 100,000 sq.ft has been let within the past twelve months and Acoustica now join other occupiers on the scheme including Ferraris Piston Services, Lubina Kitchens, Sports Supplements, Key Action Sports and Audiovisual Limited.
Ewan Dodds, BSc FRICS of the letting agents commented “this exciting new industrial letting, the largest in Colchester for some years, highlights the quality of Easter’s development and their foresight to construct the largest speculative industrial development in Colchester for the past twenty years. With the completion of the new A12 junction immediately adjacent to the site, which is due to open towards the end of this year ahead of schedule, we have been experiencing strengthening demand for occupiers in the development where only three units ranging from 5,500 sq.ft to 20,000 sq.ft now remain available.”
Russell Wheeler, Managing Director of Acoustica adds that ”having undertaken an exhaustive search of the local area, we were delighted to have secured terms on this prominent modern building which is an ideal base to house and grow our business and this will enable us to continue our close association with Flakt Woods who are immediately opposite
For further details on the remaining units please contact Whybrow on 01206 577667 Ref: ECD/CW or their joint agents Newman Commercial 901206 8544545) Ref: JN/MM or CBRE (0207 1822296) Ref: CH/ES
WHYBROW - RUN 4 FUN
Last Thursday Ewan Dodds, Scott Barlow, Sue Bennett, Christopher Ware and Michelle Barlow entered the Run 4 Fun, organised by Birkett Long and held in support of the Mayors Charities.
The team had to run 2.5 miles around the Castle Park.
Scott finished first closely followed by Christopher Ware and Ewan Dodds, while the girls took a more leisurely pace.
Hughes Electrical purchase 7 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich
Acting on behalf of St Marylebone Property Company, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have completed the sale of 7 Upper Brook Street, Ipswich to Hughes Electrical Limited at close to the asking price of £400,000. Comprising a ground floor shop with basement, first floor offices and second floor flat extending in total to circa 3,300 sq.ft, the property is located close to the junction with Tavern Street and Carr Street and major multiples in the vicinity include Café Nero, Scholl, First Choice Travel, Corals Bookmakers and Jessops. Francis Darrah Chartered Surveyors acted for the purchaser.
Letting in Grangemouth completed.
Acting on behalf of the Inspectorate Group, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have completed the letting of 9 Grange Court, Earlsgate Business Park, Grangemouth, a modern end terrace industrial unit extending to 2,211 sq.ft (205 sq.m) with on site car parking by way of a new five lease incorporating a tenant only break clause in year three at a commencing rent of £13,266 per annum inclusive of service and buildings insurance charges plus VAT. The Landlords, Northern Trust Company Ltd were represented by Ryden and DTZ.
The North Colchester Business Centre
More than 80 people attended Colbea’s AGM and sponsors’ summer networking evening on Thursday 8 July. The centre of excellence for new and start up businesses welcomed several VIP guests including Colchester Mayor Cllr Sonia Lewis, Colchester’s MP Bob Russell and chairman of Tendring District Council Alan Goggin. Guests heard about the new Business Incubation Centre that is under construction on the Colchester Business Park and will be opening in January 2011. Representatives from Rose Builders, who are currently working on site, were also in the audience. For details about Colbea’s business advice or office space at either of the two Business Centres, contact Bob Baggalley on 01206 548833.
Karen Joins Whybrow's Management Department
We are pleased that Karen has joined our team as Property Management Assistant, she will be working alongside Michael Devine in our Property Management Department.
Karen says "I come to Whybrow having worked for Royal London Asset Management for 18 years where I was responsible for the insurance of the entire property portfolio, as well as property accounting and various management issues. I also worked for Atkins Ltd for 6 years where I dealt with property management and maintenance issues for properties occupied by Essex County Council. I look forward to continuing my career at Whybrow."
The Old Seige House - Investment Sale Completed
Acting on behalf of private clients Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have completed the sale of The Old Siege House restaurant in East Street, Colchester to family buyers.
Comprising a Grade II Listed building parts of which are believed to date from the late 15th Century, the property incorporates a lounge bar, seating area, raised section and 90 cover open plan restaurant with additional private dining facilities and a managers flat plus 20 car parking spaces. The property is let to Mrs C Benebid for a term of 15 years at a passing rent of £80,000 per annum exclusive and offers were sought in the region of £975,000. The purchaser represented themselves.
34/38 Queen Street, Colchester - SALE
Acting on behalf of the former owners of Club Key West, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have completed the sale of 34/38 Queen Street, Colchester to a private investor.
Occupying a prominent main road position on the eastern edge of the town centre and within the heart of the St Botolphs regeneration area, these former Barclays Bank premises extends to 8,770 sq.ft. (815 sq.m) over ground and two upper floors which have previously had planning consent for eight residential units.
Commenting on the sale, Ewan Dodds, Managing Director of Whybrow adds “this sale is the result of considerable patience and stamina over a very lengthy marketing process during which the economy weakened considerably and the uncertainty surrounding the improvements planned for this regeneration area increased. This transaction does reflect the fantastic opportunities such a substantial property offers to this purchaser and is a sign that Colchester continues to be seen as a major economic centre in the region.”
Unit 12, Newland Shopping Precinct, Witham - LET
Unit 12 Newland Shopping Precinct, Witham
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors and Cardales have successfully let Unit 12 within the Newland Shopping Precinct, Witham. A new ten year full repairing and insuring lease has been entered into by Miss Heleteli who successfully change the use of the unit to operate a Café.
Christopher at Whybrow Chartered Surveyors said ‘ this is exciting news as it has seemed for quite sometime that the scheme could benefit from a Café user and I’m sure it will only attract further interest from shoppers and retailers alike’
UNITS LET / SOLD AT BRUNEL BUSINESS CENTRE, CLACTON
The Brunel Business Centre on Gorse Lane Industrial Estate is the first large-scale industrial development in Clacton for 10 years. The business centre, which offers high specification industrial units, is already benefiting from increased commercial optimism, and is now over a quarter full with the most recent letting completed at the end of April.
This latest letting is to CarTeks, a vehicle service, MOT and repair company who were already based on the Gorse Lane Industrial Estate. CarTeks have taken a new 5 year lease on Units 1 and 2, a total of 3,000 sq ft of new industrial space in a prominent position at the entrance to the business park.
The remaining 14 units are available on either a freehold or leasehold basis. Please refer to the details attached and do not hesitate to contact us for further details or to arrange a viewing.
THIRD MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION IN 2010 FOR WHYBROW
Whybrow Property Management Department are very pleased to have been instructed by London-based property investors J D Asset Management Limited in the day-to-day management of Northgate House in St Peters Street, Colchester.
H. M. Revenue and Customs occupy the three of the four floors of the 10,500 square foot office building, with the upper floor occupied by Northgate Partners and radio station Dream 100.
Speaking on behalf of Whybrow, Michael Devine comments “this is our third major new property management instruction of 2010 and we are happy to see such an increase in our portfolio during the first six months of what we expected to be a difficult year.”
For further information please contact :
Michael Devine (michael.devine@whybrow.net) or
Jenny Wells (jenny.wells@whybrow.net)
NEW LARGER VILLAGE STORE FOR ALRESFORD
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful sale of 53 Station Road, Alresford. The property provides retail accommodation at ground floor with a two bedroom flat above. The property was sold to Mr Patel who operates the Post Office adjoining the property and he intends to expand his business into the unit to provide a brand new village store and post office.
WHYBROW INSTRUCTED TO MANAGE ANGEL COURT
Whybrow has been instructed to both manage and market Angel Court in Colchester High Street on behalf of local developer, City & Country Group. Built for £3.7million in 1988 by Colchester Council, and incorporating historic buildings on the High Street and West Stockwell Street, the 36,000 square foot complex was until recently entirely occupied by Colchester Borough Council. Under a sale and lease back deal the council keeps its Customer Service Centre and the CCTV Monitoring Centre, while many non-public facing council officers have relocated to Rowan House.
City and Country Group, who specialise in renovation projects, have asked Whybrow to advise on the various options for regenerating the building. The ground floor, fronting onto the High Street and West Stockwell Street, could be used for restaurants or shops, which would enhance the streetscape and help regenerate the immediate area, with the upper floors, which provide some impressive views, are suited to either office or residential use.
Whybrow are delighted to be involved with this major project, which offers exciting opportunities to deliver an attractive, long-term and viable solution for this high-profile location. We are also very pleased to work with the council, who continue to provide vital community services from the ground and first floors of Angel Court.
ANOTHER NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION
Whybrow Property Management Department are very pleased to announce a new Property Management instruction in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex.
An established client of Whybrow recently purchased this exciting development and have instructed us to manage this thus extending their portfolio with us.
The development itself comprises a mix of 20 retail units with 8 residential apartments above. Whybrow Property Management Department are thrilled to continually be working alongside this well respected and experienced property company and are relishing the prospect of managing such an diverse opportunity
For more information, please contact Jenny Wells (jenny.wells@whybrow.net) or Michael Devine (michael.devine@whybrow.net).
HEADQUARTERS BUILDING AVAILABLE AT REDUCED PRICE
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to launch the availability of Southway House, Southway, Colchester on new and incentivised marketing terms.
Situated in a highly prominent part of Colchester Town Centre, this attractive office building is available freehold and benefits from ground, first and second floor accommodation extending to 8,055 sq.ft with secure basement parking for 15 vehicles.
Acting on behalf of JH Gershinson FRICS and A Packman MRICS of Allsop acting as Joint Fixed Charge Receivers, Whybrow are excited to put this property on the market and Ewan Dodds, Managing Director comments “this prominent building which offers immediate access to the Courts, the town’s southern ring road and the town centre, has been empty for several years and offers an excellent opportunity for either a developer or investor to refurbish and provide high quality office accommodation or to an occupier seeking their own headquarter building. The reduced asking price of £595,000 represents excellent value for money at just over £70 per sq.ft.”
WHYBROW SUPPORTING COLCHESTER 2020 - WALK TO WORK WEEK
As part of the Colchester 2020's Walk to Work Week, several of our staff turned out for the Foot Feast. After walking from the Mercury Theatre to Hilly Fields we stopped for a picnic lunch and then returned to the office.
Walk to Work Week is intended to encourage people who wouldn't normally walk to get out of their cars and use their feet. For further events running from 26th - 30th April go to www.colchesterwalktowork.blogspot.com
WHYBROW APPEAR AT BUSINESS FAIR
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors were pleased to be involved in the 2nd Colchester Business Fair which was held at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Thursday 22nd April 2010.
SCOTT RETURNS TO WHYBROW
Despite a difficult market our Building Surveying and Project Management department continues to grow and expand. The team cover all aspects of building consultancy and surveying, however continues to build a strong reputation in the specialist areas of dilapidations, due diligence advice and project management.
We are therefore pleased to announce the return of our former Director, Scott Barlow BSc MRICS, to once again head up the team. For those who have not worked with Scott in the past, he has over 15 years of experience gained from working for market leading surveying practices, including Drivers Jonas and Atkins. After developing the Building Surveying team at Whybrow he left in 2008 to further his experience and skills by working for primarily public sector clients, including Essex County Council, the Home Office, the Ministry of Justice and the National Police Improvement Agency. This experience has helped Scott to build on his proven track record within the private sector.
Scott is very excited about reforming previous working relationships and developing new, in what is now very much a recovering property market. Please therefore contact him and he would be delighted to arrange a meeting to explore any opportunities that may exist."
NEW HOMES, DEVELOPMENT & LAND – A NEW DIMENSION!
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors and Property Consultants launch exciting new property initiative.
One of the leading commercial and surveying practices in East Anglia, Whybrow have also been instrumental in many significant residential development / site acquisitions and disposals throughout the region.
Ewan Dodds, BSc FRICS, Managing Director of the Company has always been keen to broaden the range of services offered to clients and is delighted to advise that John Radford has joined Whybrow to form a dedicated Land and New homes division.
John has extensive experience spanning some 30 years acting for clients in the sale of many prestigious New Homes developments in North Essex and Suffolk. Previously Regional Sales Director for a major independent estate agency, John brings a wealth of experience in all areas of the new homes cycle from appraisal, acquisition and sale of land for development through the spectrum of marketing and selling the finished developments for owner occupation and investment.
John is looking forward to introducing new and existing clients to the highest level of professional standards, integrity and customer service that is synonymous with the Whybrow brand and can be contacted on 01206 577667 or via email on john.radford@whybrow.net
WHYBROW - MANAGING AGENTS FOR SKYLINE 120, BRAINTREE
Whybrow Property Management Department are delighted to announce that they have been appointed by Countryside Properties as Managing Agents at Skyline 120 and Skyline 120 Courtyard, Great Notley, Braintree.
Comprising a high specification office and industrial development extending to some 350,000sq.ft in a prominent location on the improved A120 trunk road offering easy access to Stansted Airport, the M1 motorway and Colchester, the appointment covers the management of all the common parts of the development and tenant liaison. This is an exciting opportunity for us to manage an office and industrial development of a very high calibre where notable occupiers include Gerald Edelman, G & G Gallo Enterprises, Mobile Phones 4 Business, Isocool and Delamode plc to name but a few.
We manage a broad range of commercial and residential properties in the Eastern Region and also as far afield as Immingham, Leeds, South Wales and Teesside.
If you need assistance with your property management, please do not hesitate to contact Jenny Wells (jenny.wells@whybrow.net) or Michael Devine (michael.devine@whybrow.net) who would be pleased to discuss this with you further.
PROMISES, ELECTIONS & MY BUSINESS EVENT PROVES GREAT SUCCESS
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More than 160 Colchester business people took part in a free business community event and fair supported by Colchester2020, Colbea, Essex FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) and The University of Essex.
The event was held at the Weston Homes Community Stadium and had a topical theme for all businesses coping with the recession.
Titled “Promises, Elections and My Business”, the event followed the BBC Question Time format and gave an opportunity to the main political parties to debate how they propose to support business during this period of economic uncertainty.
A panel of local political candidates from the Conservative, Green, Labour and Liberal Democrat parties, Essex FSB and the media then answered key questions on their party’s plans to help businesses for over one and a half hours.
Advice was also on offer from experts from education and business support organisations around employability, skills development and funding for programmes such as student placements, apprenticeships and job creation schemes.
Ewan Dodds, Colchester2020 Lead Partner for Business, Education and Employment, said: “This was a real partnership event. It came about because all of the organisations involved felt it was important, given the current economic climate, for the business community to have the opportunity to air their views and concerns and find out more about what local politicians plan to do to address these. The event was a real success and attracted a diverse audience and a good level of debate around some very important issues.”
7 STOREY HOTEL PLANNED FOR OLD ROYAL MAIL HQ
Part Article as featured in the Evening Gazette - 18.01.2010
A seven-storey hotel with 117 beds could be built on the doorstep of Colchester's Castle Park. Premier Inn wants to demolish former Royal Mail base, Colnebank House.
If a planning application to Colchester Council is approved, the hotel would be yards from the entrance to Castle Park, and overlook the Grade II Listed Middle Mill Cottage.
The application reveals discussions have already taken place with Colchester Borough Council offices, which has resulted in the chain reducing the scale of the building.
Colchester Council are expected to make a decision by Easter and if granted planning permission, the hotel could be ready to open by mid-to-late 2011.
UNIT 15, BRUNEL BUSINESS CENTRE, CLACTON - LET
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful letting of Unit 15 Brunel Business Centre, Clacton the town’s first major modern development in recent time and undertaken by Essex based Mantle Estates Ltd. The unit provided some 2,000 sq.ft of quality industrial accommodation and has been let to MRL Productions, an events production company specialising in sound, lighting and video within the Corporate, Theatre, Fashion Show and Concert sectors. They have taken a three year full repairing and insuring lease.
Christopher Ware of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors said “this is such positive news on a well constructed industrial scheme. With Unit 12 also let and increasing levels of interest I am sure we will be reporting on further success.”
CAPACITY REACHED AT TRINITY HOUSE
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce that on behalf of their clients, Blackwater Securities Ltd they have now fully let their town centre office building, Trinity House. The latest letting was to the locally based IT consultancy Evaluate IT who have taken Suite 10 on the first floor which provided 200 sq.ft. of accommodation on a twelve month licence agreement. Trinity House provides a variety of well presented office suites ranging from 200 sq.ft. to 1,270 sq.ft.
The suites have been let on varying terms but were available on the basis of a three month minimum commitment and a one month rolling notice period thereafter. Christopher Ware of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors said “Despite very challenging economic conditions we have experienced a very strong agency market in 2009 and it is good to have such an excellent start to 2010.”
For further information on Trinity House or any other available office premises please contact Whybrow Chartered Surveyors on 01206 577667.
NEW MANAGEMENT INSTRUCTION
Whybrow Property Management Department are delighted to announce an exciting new management instruction with an existing client who has decided to extend their portfolio with us.
The properties consist of two retail units one of which is a notably national covenant, within a prime retail area of Colchester.
Jenny Wells comments 'It is always gratifying when an existing client is not only extremely satisfied with the service we have provided, but wishes to place further properties into our management portfolio. It is our belief that it is the management team strengths and our commitment to our clients that has gained this instruction.
MICHAEL DEVINE JOINS WHYBROW
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have appointed Michael Devine BA PGDipSurv to join their Property Management department. He joins the company from Colchester-based estate agents Spicerhaart Ltd, where he spent two and a half years as a Management Surveyor, dealing with Group property matters. Michael’s other previous employers include Essex County Council and Guinness plc. Originally from Northern Ireland, Michael has lived in Essex for 10 years, the last 5 of which in Colchester. He will be working alongside Jenny Wells providing a full range of management services for commercial properties.
MD CHOSEN AS FINALIST FOR BUSINESS AWARDS
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are proud to annouce that Managing Director, Ewan Dodds has been selected as a Finalist for the Business Man of the Year category in the Colchester & District Business Awards 2009.
The Winner will be annouced at the Award Ceremony which is being held on 27th November 2009 at Charter Hall.
FOURTH LETTING AT EASTER PARK
The Easter Group are delighted to announce the letting of their fourth unit at Easter Park to Ferraris Piston Services Ltd, one of the UK's most successful and established automotive aftermarket parts distribution companies
Extending to 15,690sq.ft this detached unit was let by way of a new 10 year Full Repairing lease at a commencing rent of £90,000pax with a fixed rent uplift at Year 5. FPS will be relocating over the coming months from their previous base in Brunel Court, Colchester.
Commenting on the transaction, Ewan Dodds of letting agent, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors added “We are delighted to have secured such an excellent covenant as Ferraris to join the existing occupiers including Lubina Kitchens and Audio Visual Ltd. We have another 2 large buildings under offer now and with the recent confirmation of the new road junction, we expect considerable interest in the remaining units.
Easter Park, Colchester comprises 10 new industrial buildings of the very highest quality, most of which have 8m eaves height, first floor offices forecourt loading and car parking areas. The 135,000sq.ft scheme is now over 60% let, sold or under offer.
Recent confirmation that work will begin soon on the new A12 junction (adjacent to the site) with an anticipated opening date in Spring 2011 confirms Easter Park as the premier industrial location in Colchester and we are confident that enquiry levels for the remaining unit and the 6 acres of Phase 2 and 3 land will continue to increase.
For further details please contact the joint agents.
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors,
M3
Newman Commercial acted for the developers.
Charltons Property Services acted for the tenants
259 GREENSTEAD ROAD - SOLD
Acting on behalf of Threadneedle Pensions Ltd, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have sold their freehold interest in a detached warehouse of 14,000 sq.ft. (1,300.6 sq.m) standing on a site of 0.6 acres (0.24 hectares) to a private purchaser.
The purchasers were unrepresented.
For further information on this or any other deals please contact Whybrow Chartered Surveyors 01206 577667 or info@whybrow.net
SALE AT KINGS COURT, COLCHESTER
Acting on behalf of King Developments Ltd, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors and Newman Commercial have sold the final unit in their successful Kings Court development at Colchester Business Park to Computerwise Ltd. Comprising a modern single storey building extending to 2,600 sq.ft. (241.55 sq.m) with ten car parking spaces the property has been sold for £380,000.
For further information on this or any other deals please contact Ewan Dodds, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors 01206 577667.
MAIN ROAD & DOCKFIELD ROAD, HARWICH - SOLD
Following instructions to Whybrow Chartered Surveyors by Geoffrey Kinlan and William Turner of BDO Stoy Hayward LLP, Joint Liquidators of AEW Delford Group Limited - In Creditors' Voluntary Liquidation, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have sold the freehold interest in the 9.9 acre site (4.00 hectares) comprising 110,000 sq.ft (10,219 sq.m) industrial accommodation to Scott Properties Limited and the freehold interest of the 0.163 acres (0.066 hectares) residential plot in Dockfield Avenue to the same party. The purchaser represented themselves.
Commenting on the sale, Ewan Dodds, Managing Director of Whybrow said that these sales, both undertaken in the midst of a weakening economy reflects continuing strong levels of interest in well located property opportunities considered to offer good value for money.
HAWKINS ROAD SITE SOLD TO SILVERTON AGGREGATES
Acting on behalf of the administrative receivers for Palgrave Brown, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have sold the freehold interest in their site at 6/7 Hawkins Road, Colchester CO2 8JX to Silverton Aggregates. Comprising various workshops extending to 7,100 sq.ft (660 sq.m) on a self-contained site of 0.623 acres (0.252 hectares). The site is in the Hythe regeneration area and close to the town’s eastern relief road. The purchaser was unrepresented.
MARINER HOUSE ACQUIRED FOR CLIENTS
Acting for Suffolk Mental Health Partnerships NHS Trust, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have acquired a substantial office building in central Ipswich from Wrenbridge Ltd after an exhaustive search for suitable properties in and around Ipswich. Mariner House is a detached building over 4 floors and extends to 21,200sq.ft with 40 on site car spaces. The Trust have entered into a 15 year lease with 5 yearly rent reviews and significant rent incentives. Bidwells and Savills represented the landlords
NEW INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BEING UNDERTAKEN IN BOXTED
Having provided property management and agency advice to the previous owners of the site for over 20 years, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are delighted to have been appointed on this exciting new office and industrial development by Thomas Bates and Son Ltd from Romford.
Located just 4 miles from Colchester Town Centre and avoiding the notorious traffic congestion, Hill Farm Business Park will provide 41,600sq.ft of industrial and office buildings ranging from 990sq.ft to 9,000sq.ft. These will be available on a freehold or leasehold basis.
Josh Bates of Thomas Bates and Son Ltd commented - “This is a tremendous opportunity for businesses to locate themselves in an attractive rural position, yet with the benefits of easy access to both the main road network and Colchester town centre and we are delighted to be able to commence full marketing”.
Good levels of enquiry have already been generated and Whybrow and their joint sole agents, Robert Dewar and Co are undertaking a pre marketing campaign to identify suitable new interest.
LEXDEN HOUSE REFURBISHMENT COMPLETED - WHYBROW - PROJECT MANAGERS
Peter Beadles (right), receives the keys to his newly refurbished office from Ewan Dodds, Managing Director of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are delighted to announce the successful completion of the major refurbishment project at Lexden House, London Road. We were appointed by Reader Offers Limited, a renowned local and independent cruise specialist, to act as Project Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Contract Administrators for the project. The works encompassed the complete internal refurbishment of the 16,100 square foot building including installation of new suspended ceilings, partitioning, air conditioning, electrical installations and toilets. External works were also carried out which included the relaying of roofs, macadam car parking and installation of bin and air conditioning plant enclosures.
The cost of the works total circa £1m and were undertaken under the Project Management of Duncan Tibbitts MRICS. QED Projects were the main contractor. Mr. Tibbitts said ‘This project provides a great example of Whybrow Project Management’s capabilities’.
Peter Beadles, Managing Director of Reader Offers Limited, said ‘From acquiring Lexden House for us through to project managing the refurbishment works at our new headquarters, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors delivered a fantastic service, in particular, taking away the day to day contractor issues. I would have no hesitation in recommending them in the future’.
For more information on this exciting project, please contact Duncan Tibbitts, Head of Whybrow Project Management Department, on 01206 577 667 or duncan.tibbitts@whybrow.net
SIR ISAACS WALK, COLCHESTER - LETTING
B8 / B9 Sir Isaacs Walk, Colchester
Acting on behalf of Scottish Amicable Life Assurance Society, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have let retail accommodation extending to 1,185 sq.ft. (110.08 sq.m) on ground and first floor levels to Colchester United Football Club by way of a new three year lease. The tenant represented themselves.
FURTHER SUCCESSFUL LETTING AT TRINITY HOUSE
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are delighted to announce the letting of Suites 11 & 12 Trinity House to James Leigh Consulting Limited. The suites consist of 695 sq.ft of office space with offers sought in the region of £9,730 per annum inclusive.
As a result of this successful letting there are now only four suites remaining at the office complex, providing a range of accommodation from 200 sq.ft up to 1,270 sq.ft
COLCHESTER BUSINESS FAIR
BUSINESS CARD DRAW WINNER
Whybrow are pleased to annouce the winner of our Business Card Draw at the Colchester Business Fair was Sarah Abernethy, Business Training Advisor at The Professional Training Centre as pictured above with our Mandy Franklin receiving her prize.
COLCHESTER BUSINESS FAIR
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors were pleased to be a part of Colchester's Business Fair which on Thursday 30th April saw over 1,000 people come through the doors. Pictured above are Jenny Wells (Management Department) and Mark Parbury (Management/Professional Surveyor).
COLCHESTER BUSINESS FAIR
COME AND SEE US ON
STAND 6
AT THE COLCHESTER BUSINESS FAIR, CHARTER HALL, LEISURE WORLD
Thursday 30th April 2009
11am - 7pm
A3 SPACE AVAILABLE AT MOORSIDE
7th April 2009
We are pleased to announce the availability of two retail premises located on the Moorside Business Centre. The units provide 500 sq.ft. of shell specification retail premises with WC facilities. Both units benefit from an established A3 (restaurant) planning consent which was granted in December 2008. Both units are immediately available and can be let on full repairing and insuring terms based on a minimum term of seven years with three yearly break clauses, at a rental of £12,000 p.a.x. combined or £6,000 p.a.x. individually.
For further information please contact Whybrow Chartered Surveyors 01206 577667 christopher.ware@whybrow.net
COLCHESTER BUSINESS FAIR
17th February 2009
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce they will taking a stand at the Colchester Business Fair this year. The event is taking place on Thursday 30th April 2009. 11am - 7pm at the Charter Hall.
The event is dedicated to local businesses and offers a unique oppourtunity to meet in a relaxed and interactive environment.
For further information or to book one of the few remaining stands please contact : Jo Johnson - 01206 508352, Lin Curtis - 01206 508374 or Dan White - 01206 508230 at Standard Business.
EXPANSIVE INDUSTRIAL UNIT AVAILABLE OFF WYNCOLLS ROAD
Unit 1 Altbarn Close, Colchester.
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the availability of Unit 1 Altbarn Close, Wyncolls Road, Colchester CO4 9HX.
This expansive industrial premises offers between 5,500 sq.ft to 9,250 sq.ft of accommodation. The property immediately fronts Wyncolls Road and forms part of a modern detached building which can be divided to suit a tenants particular requirement. Benefiting from roller shutter loading door, concrete floor, 6m eaves height and fluorescent lighting, the property also benefits from ample loading and car parking facilities to the rear and side of the building.
For those parties who are interested in leasing part they will be pleased to know that the landlords will undertake the necessary subdivision and accommodation works as required.
The property is available by way of a new lease drawn on full repairing and insuring terms via a service charge for a term of years to be agreed, incorporating upward only rent reviews. Rental terms are by negotiation and upon request.
For further information please contact Ewan Dodds of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors on 01206 577667 or via email ewan.dodds@whybrow.net
EXCELLENT INDUSTRIAL UNITS AVAILABLE IN CLACTON!
Brunel Business Centre, in Clacton, Essex comprises 19 industrial units, totaling 46,950 sq.ft., with unit sizes ranging from 1,465 to 10,000 sq.ft. These are suitable for trade counter, light/general industrial and warehouse uses.
Brunel Business Centre is situated within the heart of the established Gorse Lane Industrial Estate of Clacton, which houses Clacton Shopping Village and established industrialists including Arjobex, Bruntons, City Electrical Factors, County Linen and the Hartmann Group.
Units are available on a freehold basis, or on leases with an option to purchase, or on a flexi-lease basis (with a minimum term of 3 months). For further information contact Christopher Ware (christopher.ware@whybrow.net or 01206 577667)or go to
www.brunelbusinesscentre.co.uk
www.industrialunitclacton.co.uk
NEW APPOINTMENT
WHYBROW Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce they have appointed Duncan Tibbitts BSc MRICS as Head of the Building Surveying & Project Management department.
Duncan has eighteen years experience in building surveying having previously occupied roles with major commercial property consultants in London including CB Richard Ellis, Atisreal and Cluttons as well as with a large housing group. During this time he has gained extensive experience in all aspects of building surveying and has been particularly involved with project management and contract administration, dilapidations, planned maintenance and refurbishment programmes and pre-acquisition building surveys.
On joining, Duncan said “Whybrow has a fantastic reputation in the eastern region and I am delighted to have joined the team. I look forward to taking the Building Surveying and Project Management department forward and building on its impressive reputation".
SALE AT MOORSIDE BUSINESS PARK
9th December 2008
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors and Newman Commercial are delighted to announce yet another freehold sale at the Moorside Business Park on the eastern side of Colchester town centre. This is Unit B17 which has been acquired by Mr P. Thorn to expand his publishing business. The unit is circa 1,000 sq.ft. and benefits from an electrically operated roller shutter door, WC and kitchenette facilities as well as all main services and forecourt car parking.
Christopher Ware of Whybrow said ‘this sale combined with the recent sale of Unit A6 further supports encouraging levels of activity within the commercial market and shows the excellent level of quality product available at Moorside Business Park, where fifteen buildings have now been sold.’
Moorside Business Park which is located on Eastgates Industrial Estate offers a broad range of light industrial / trade counter units ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 sq.ft. with plenty of car parking and compounds for external storage. Prices start from £99,000 plus VAT.
For further information please contact the joint agents:
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors – 01206 577667
Newman Commercial – 01206 854545
Tim Norman at the on-site sales office – 01206 865757
Evening Gazette - 2nd December 2008
EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE sponsored by Clarice House.
This company has not entered this category before as it did not feel it was ready - well, it definitely is. Although different to the other winners in the respect that Whybrow is predominantly a commercial company, there is still a clear respect for the importance of excellent customer care. It analyses its business extensively to know who its customers are and how they should be treated.
Whybrow has an email newsletter which keeps all customers up to date with what's what. It has questionnaires which go to all customers regarding the service received, these are all then collated and points addressed in regular 'innovation meetings' which are used for management to resolve issues. One example being altering the phone system to achieve a customer service target. On top of this, staff training is clearly very important and the monitoring of key performance indicators, by management on all staff is integral to their high standard and consistency of customer service.
It is moving forward by using Facebook and other technologies to connect with younger clients and gain customer information, feedback and ensure they are ahead of competitors.
WHYBROW WIN AWARD FOR EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SERVICE
Whybrow scooped their fourth award in four years on Friday at the Colchester & District Business Awards. Previously, winners of the Staff Training & Development Awards 2004,2005 & 2006 we are delighted to be chosen as winners in the Customer Service category.
'Winning the Excellent Customer Service Award is a wonderful achievement and a testament to the hard work all our staff contribute to the day to day running of our office.’ said Ewan Dodds BSc FRICS, Managing Director.
EMPTY PROPERTY RATES SCRAPPED
Alistair Darling, Chancellor of the Exchequer, has scrapped empty property rates for properties with an estimated value of less than £250,000 - which he says represents around 70% of empty commercial buildings in the UK.
Revealed on Monday 24th November in the pre-Budget report, the change will take effect from the financial year of 2009/10 - April next year and at the moment is only temporary. The exemption will apply for properties with a rateable value of less than £15,000.
The announcement follows months of lobbying from the industry, the British Property Federation and Property Week. But the change is not as comprehensive as hoped for by the industry.
£15,000 rateable value equates roughly to £20,000 annual rental value, according to rating experts - which means the exemption only applies for properties worth less than around £250,000 at most.
LEXDEN HOUSE ACQUIRED FOR CLIENTS
4th November 2008
Acting on behalf of NEEB Holdings Newman Commercial have sold 'Lexden House' a substantial headquarters office building of 16,100 sq ft(1,495.7 sqm) to Reader Offers Limited of Colchester whom due to their expansion will be relocating 85 staff from their current offices at East Hill. Whybrow Chartered Surveyors acted on behalf of Reader Offers on the acquisition and will also be project managing an extensive refurbishment programme on the building
WHYBROW CAN NOW BE FOUND ON FACEBOOK!
3rd November 2008
At Whybrow we closely monitor the market to ensure we are fully aware of all the latest innovations and creative thinking in the market place this in turn helps us to continually improve and adapt these services.
Part of this innovative process has lead to us establishing a page on Facebook which will provide a wider sector of the marketplace to provide feedback on our company. Please feel free to utilise this service as your comments are valuable to us.
FINALISTS FOR COLCHESTER DISTRICT BUSINESS AWARDS
28th October 2008
Following the winning of two Colchester Training awards and an Essex Training award in 2004,2005 & 2006 Whybrow are delighted to announce our selection as a finalist in the Excellent Customer Service Category of the Colchester District Business Awards which will be held at the Charter Hall in Colchester on Friday 28th November 2008.
We are passionate about providing a quality service to our clients and customers at all times and seek feedback from them following completion of all instructions to ensure that we maintain and improve the level of service we offer.
RETAIL SECTOR STILL DEVELOPING
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful letting of three retail premises in Colchester which contrary to widespread belief suggests that the retail sector is still developing through these difficult times.
2 Portal Precinct, Colchester comprising a mid terrace lock up shop with first floor accommodation totalling 730 sq.ft, has been let to Cosmic Tattoo Ltd. Leasehold offers for the premises were invited in the region of £12,950 per annum exclusive.
37 Eld Lane, Colchester comprises a mid terraced lock up shop with a floor area totalling 655 sq.ft and has been let to Christmas Time Ltd who will be offering seasonal goods throughout the year. The premises were let at the passing rent of £25,000 per annum exclusive.
Finally the ground floor of 32 St Botolphs Street, Colchester, an attractive period building, on the south eastern edge of the town centre, has been let to Berhanyer Tailor UK Ltd, who will be opening a man and woman prêt a porter and tailoring franchise.
48 Newland Street, Witham.
20th October 2008
Acting on behalf of Glanmore Investments Ltd, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have secured a lease surrender from Johnson Cleaners (UK) Ltd and granted a new 15 year full repairing and insuring lease of ground floor retail premises totalling 850 sq.ft (78.97m²) to Done Brothers (Cash Betting) Ltd trading as Betfred at a commencing rent of £28,500 per annum exclusive.
Stephen Kane and Partners represented the tenant.
NEW INSTRUCTION FOR WHYBROW
8th October 2008
We are delighted to announce our appointment as agents for ROM Capital following their purchase of the 60,000 sq.ft. 50 unit factory outlet village in a multi-million pound transaction. Occupiers already include Choice, JD Sports, Mountain Warehouse, Claire’s Accessories and Thorntons.
The Centre, which is nearly 80% occupied has a footfall of nearly 16,000 visitors per week and the catchment area within a 30 minute drive time is 255,000 people.
The scheme which is situated just off the A133 trunk road is based around a central mall and benefits from over 1,000 surface car parking spaces immediately adjacent.
We will be offering a wide range of units from 560 sq.ft. to 4,500 sq.ft. on a variety of lease / tenancy basis to suit all retailer requirements.
For further details of this exciting opportunity please contact Ewan Dodds or Christopher Ware on ewan.dodds@whybrow.net / Christopher.ware@whybrow.net
NEW OFFICE DEVELOPMENT IN NORTH COLCHESTER
22nd September 2008
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new office development in North Colchester. The Point will comprise 17 new two storey office buildings ranging from 1,650 sq.ft. to 5,600 sq.ft. The buildings have been designed to the most exacting standards incorporating attractive timber / glazed cladding, comfort cooling, full accessed raised floors, double glazing and on-site car parking.
Situated adjacent to Colchester Business Park and offering immediate access to the A12 / A120 via Crown Interchange the first phase of six units will be available on a freehold or leasehold basis from December 2008. Further details are available upon request.
Whybrow are also marketing a wide range of refurbished nursery industrial units from 1,000 sq.ft. to 6,500 sq.ft. in Colchester at Moorside, Eastgates, Port Lane and at the Angora Business Park, Peartree Road on both a freehold and leasehold basis. Please contact either Ewan Dodds BSc FRICS or Christopher Ware BA (Hons) for further details.
Whybrow Secure Exciting Management Instruction.
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are delighted to announce a number of very exciting new property management instruction.
The first of these is an appointment to manage Wellington House, one of Colchester’s most prominent office buildings on the southern edge of the town centre. Extending to 45,000 sq.ft on seven floors the property is multi let to a variety of tenants including Spicer Haart, Colchester Borough Council, Colchester Business Centre Ltd and HD Consultants. Our responsibilities are to oversee the day to day running of the property which includes the Business Centre, administration of service charges and repairs. The landlords are currently also undertaking an extensive refurbishment of the seventh floor.
The second instruction is a re appointment to manage a variety of retail / office properties in Clacton town centre for private clients, comprising a broad range of older style properties there are let to a variety of tenants including Wimpey restaurants and we are delighted to have been reinstructed in this matter having first been appointed by the family in 1989.
The third appointment involves two medical centres in Brentwood, Essex and Lichfield, Staffordshire for Healthtrak UK, a specialist developer of health care premises with over 10 years of development experience in the design, construction and management of medical centres and care homes in the UK. Both centres, were completed in 2006, and are let to tenants including Day Lewis Plc.
We are delighted to have been appointed on these three high profile instructions which adds to the extensive portfolio of commercial and residential properties we manage throughout both the region and UK. Further information and advice for any property management matter please contact Jenny Wells.
Energy Performance Certificates on Commercial Premises
A further amendment to the Energy Performance of Buildings (Certificates & Inspections) Regulations was passed on 9th September 2008. One of the key elements of this amendment is an extension of the transitional arrangements under Regulation 51 until 4th January 2009. This means that during the period 1st October 2008 to 4th January 2009 prospective sellers or landlords of commercial premises will not need to commission an EPC until after exchange of contracts with a buyer or new tenant.
For more information on the above and the other amendments to the Regulations, please refer to Statutory Instrument 2363 of 9th September 2008.
EASTER DEVELOPMENTS SECURES PRE-LET AT EASTER PARK, COLCHESTER
Easter Developments are delighted to announce a pre-letting at its new Easter Park, Colchester scheme. Unit 1, which totals 21,200 sq ft, has been let to Lubina Bedroom Company Ltd on a new 20-year lease at an annual rent of £137,800.
Construction of the 10 unit scheme has only just been completed and the agents have confirmed that Unit 6 is also under offer. The units, which range from 5,250 sq ft to 31,800 sq ft, are available on a freehold or leasehold basis and all benefit from unrestricted B1 (Light Industrial), B2 (General Industrial) and B8 (Storage and Distribution) uses. Easter are represented by commercial property consultants M3 and Whybrows.
Ewan Dodds of Whybrow comments: “This letting to Lubina is a wonderful start to the marketing of this high quality scheme. We are delighted with the current strong interest being shown in Easter Park, Colchester which endorses the fantastic location and high specification of the units available.”
Easter Park, Colchester is located adjacent to the A12 and lies within 200 yards of the new Colchester F.C. Stadium which has recently opened. Design and Build opportunities of up to 75,000 sq ft can also be accommodated on the adjacent Phase II land.
COACH HOUSE SOLD
26th August 2008
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful sale of The Coach House , Balkerne Close, Colchester.
The property is situated in the heart of Colchester town centre, just off Balkerne Gardens within a few hundred yards of North Hill and the High Street. The property has a which had a net internal area of 515 sq.ft and is now to be used as an office by Plant Force Limited. Offers were sought in the region of £125,000
LANDLORDS BEWARE!
25th June 2008
As from 1st July 2008 Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) will be required for the sale or letting of commercial buildings with a floor area over 2500m2/ 26,910 sq.ft.
All commercial properties for sale or lease rent will require an EPC as of 1st October 2008.
Landlords must ensure these certificates are in place by July. Failure to do so will result in substantial delays in any exchange.
For more advice or information
please contact Ewan Dodds BSc FRICS
TWO RETAIL UNITS LET IN COLCHESTER TOWN CENTRE
1st June 2008
Despite recent speculation that retail in Colchester’s secondary locations have been hard hit by the current market, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the successful sale and letting of two retail premises in Colchester
15 Eld Lane, Colchester comprising a terraced shop with first floor store totalling 352 sq.ft has been sold to Wreds Ltd. Offers for the premises were invited in the region of £165,000.
In addition to this sale, 21 Short Wyre Street, offering sales / storage of 574 sq.ft has been successfully let to Mr T Chu who is going to be opening a new Nail Bar, at close to the asking rent of £10,000 p.a.x.
Christopher Ware of Whybrow Chartered Surveyors said ‘ The recent developments that have seen both premises occupied shows that the retail market in Colchester is still developing through what has been documented as a difficult period’
LETTING COMPLETED IN BRIGHTLINGSEA
Acting on behalf of Brightlingsea Dock and Wharfage, WHYBROW CHARTERED SURVEYORS have let a 2,300 sq.ft. industrial unit on the Shipyard Estate, Brightlingsea to BML Maintenance by way of a three year full repairing and insuring lease at a commencing rent of £8,750 per annum exclusive. BML also occupy the adjoining unit.
For further information on this or any other properties please contact Whybrow Chartered Surveyors on 01206 577667.
WHYBROW HAS A NEW LOOK
2nd May 2008
We are delighted to announce the recent refurbishment of our reception which presents a sparkling new image for the firm.
Local Commercial Property Market Holding Up
In the face of doom and gloom, deals locally are still being done. The prime market has felt uncertainties since before Christmas and institutions have been down-valuing their portfolios with banks tightening on their lending criteria and the effect will eventually be felt in the secondary markets also. However, to date, Whybrow can report that there is still activity in most sectors of the market although more caution. Although retail has suffered, there are still parties interested in taking small shops, with the traditional post Christmas gloom out of the way there is greater activity in this sector.
Auction results on good secondary investments are still showing there is a pent up demand for well let property and with the lack of stock yields still remain low although they have eased slightly.
Whilst demand for offices in the area is limited, there has been a marked rise in rental values in some of the better properties, in particular The Octagon and some take up in supply within the area.
The demand for industrial and warehouse property remains steady and recent new development in the region of small units has shown a large increase in value. The expansion of new developments at Severalls Business Park, including the Easter Group speculative development, is coming on stream and new units recently coming to the market. Also, at Clacton, a new development, the first, for some 10 years by Mantle offering small freehold units has just come to the market.
Valuations for secured lending decrease
The number of instructions from banks has dropped off in recent months but further activity is anticipated by banks revisiting existing loans. There has recently been more activity in valuations required for purchases and disposals where the parties are endeavouring to take advantage of the capital gains tax concession.
Empty Rates
The property industry is still trying to persuade the Government to amend plans for empty property rates. Property groups have endeavoured to persuade the Government to monitor the effects of the new legislation and, if one of the clear objectives of increased availability of space is not met, then ministers have been asked to reverse it. It is thought that in many quarters the removal of the tax relief on empty buildings will act as a break on regeneration in deprived areas. Although the legislation is intended to prevent landlords from making their buildings unusable by resorting to taking the roof off for example, it is likely that in poorer areas and with buildings which are of little value, they will resort to pulling them down.
As from 1st April 2008 empty property rates will come into effect on vacant factories and warehouses in England and Wales who will pay full rates once the property has been empty for 6 months.
Other vacant properties will be entitled to 100% relief for the first 3 months only and will be subject to full rates thereafter.
Revaluation 2010
The advanced valuation date is 1st April 2008 and the Valuation Office are busy sending out rent return forms and collating information on rents from all occupiers in preparation for the compilation of the 2010 list. The new assessments will come into effect as from 1st April 2010 and it is important that all relevant information is disclosed on the rent return forms including rent free periods and incentives given to tenants so that a true picture of the rental values as at 1st April 2008 can be apparent.
It is expected that there will be further activity in appeals against existing rateable values as the impact of the empty property rates will have an effect on rental values and the knock on effect on the assessments. However, the Government retains the whip hand as they control the uniform business rate.
Arbitration and Independent Expert Referrals Up
Since the beginning of the year Rob Weston has noted a large increase in referrals to him by the President of the RICS but sense prevails. Once the Arbitrator/Independent Expert is appointed, then the parties are embarking on additional costs which it is prudent to avoid and invariably the parties can focus on a settlement with the referral becoming the last resort.
The RICS provide an efficient Dispute Resolution Services whereby Arbitrators, Independent Experts and Adjudicators are appointed to independently resolve disputes such as rent reviews and lease renewals (through the PACT scheme).
Robert Weston is on the President of the RICS’s panel for Arbitrators and Independent Experts and regularly receives appointments to resolve rent reviews and lease renewals.
Rent Review and Lease Renewals Still Active
Landlords, on the back of an improved market until recently, have been seeking higher rents but any review is hard fought by the tenants turning towards short term leases creating an inconsistent market.
Whilst rents in most sectors have moved over the last 12 months, the increases are patchy with the industrial rents remaining fairly steady and new developments reaching higher levels. The office sector remains slow but, again, there have been increases reflected in new developments and refurbishments. Retailers are, however, finding it exceptionally difficult and in some locations rents have dropped whereas elsewhere there have been modest increases.
The market trends for most secondary properties, with one or two exceptions, have been towards short term leases and leases in excess of 10 years without a break are now relatively rare. Provisions to the Landlord & Tenant Act 1954 in the form of the Regulatory Reform (Business Tenancies) Order 2003 have made some improvements to the workings of the Act. However, provisions for expediting procedure to court and adhering to such timetables and presentations to the court are exceptionally expensive. In many cases where there are relatively small amounts of rents involved, costs are prohibitive for the party to proceed down the court route and it is sensible for them to agree matters between themselves if they are able to do so.
EPC REQUIREMENTS DELAYED
Government has restructured the deadlines for the introduction of Energy Performance Certificates. An EPC will be required for the sale or rent of commercial buildings at the following dates this year:
6th April: Commercial buildings over 10,000 m2
1st July: Commercial buildings over 2,500m2
1st October: Commercial buildings over 1,000m2
These delays to the original proposal appear to be due to a growing concern over the lack of energy assessors available to issue such certificates.
2007 Code for Leasing Business Premises
The 2007 Code for Leasing Business Premises, launched in March last year, has become a useful source of information for many tenants and small businesses. The voluntary code consists of three sections:
* Landlord requirements for code compliant leases.
* Occupiers guide.
* Model Heads of Terms.
The code was introduced to ensure all parties have access to information and guidance thus promoting fairness in commercial Leases. Although the code is voluntary this is a push from Government with the general opinion that if people don't adhere to the guide, legislation will follow. This guide is endorsed by the RICS.
A copy of the code is available at www.leasingbusinesspremises.com
EPC (Energy Performance Certificates)
The Government has released target dates for the introduction of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for commercial property. By 6th April 2008, the Government has confirmed that EPC’s will be required for the sale or rent of buildings other than dwellings, with a floor area over 500m². The government encourages the production of an advisory rating at design stage as part of the building regulation approval process, but this is not mandatory. The government has also stated that by 1st October 2008, EPC’s will be required on the sale and rental of all remaining commercial buildings.
Christopher Ware Joins Whybrow
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the arrival of their new Agency Surveyor, Christopher Ware who has joined the company to work alongside Managing Director Ewan Dodds, BSc FRICS. Christopher will be dealing with commercial sales and lettings and will be based in our Colchester office
Christopher Ware, BA, has just successfully completed his BA in Human Geography at the University of Hull and is shortly due to commence further study at The Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford to complete a graduate diploma in Surveying.
For further information about Whybrow Chartered Surveyors please contact us on 01206 577667 or see our website at www.whybrow.net
Oak House 25, St Peters Street
Acting on behalf of Greenhawk Limited, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have sold a freehold office building of 7,500 sq ft (696.75 sq m) with the benefit of 10 car spaces to The UK Media Group for £900,000. The purchasers represented themselves.
For further details on these units or any other properties please contact Whybrow Chartered Surveyors on 01206 577667 or www.whybrow.net
RICS Code of Practice for Service Charges in Commercial Property
The RICS Code of Practice for Service Charges in Commercial Property was introduced this year to help protect tenants by driving for openness and transparency within all procedures.
The RICS Code of Practice for Service Charges in Commercial Property was launched in April 2007, the aims being to improve the quality of service from property professionals and ensure tenants do not suffer abuse and financial inequality. Its implementation was favored over the introduction of government legislation which would have imposed many complicated controls. The positive effects of this Code of practice are starting to emerge.
„X The introduction of standard cost category headings will facilitate benchmarking across the whole industry.
„X Timetables imposed mean future occupiers should receive their service charge budgets one month before the next service charge year and reconciliations within four months of the year end.
„X More occupiers are now requesting to view service charge apportionment models.
„X Management fees are being moved away from percentage of costs incurred to a charge which better reflects the level of works undertaken.
Whybrow support the Code which is designed to promote openness, honesty and transparency in all owner/occupier communications, and we believe it brings benefits to both landlord and tenants.
However, one of the main problems is the difficulty to amend existing commercial leases to accord with the extensive provisions within the code. It has been acknowledged that further work is required in this area.
Empty Property Rates Relief
The Chancellor’s move to abolish rate relief on vacant industrial buildings creates an additional penal taxation on landlords which will further dampen the market.
The Rating (Empty Properties) Bill, published May 2007, has now limited entitlement to rate relief on vacant buildings. Most industrial, warehouse and storage properties were previously subject to 100% rate relief until they become reoccupied. From April 2008 industrial, warehouse and storage properties will pay 100% rates after six months. Most other buildings will pay 100% rates after just three months. This proposal will significantly increase costs for owners of vacant property and companies such as our investment clients, who are actively involved in the speculative acquisition and refurbishment of large industrial space as part of their business strategy. The proposal may inhibit such deals.
Industrial Building Allowance
Industrial Building Allowances are to be gradually phased out over the next four years. At present, the 4% relief on corporation tax will be reduced to zero by April 2011. Many perceive this move to be an attack on UK industry.
The latest Budget has presented the phasing out of Industrial Buildings Allowances which have been available to industrial premises for over 60 years.
At present, tax relief on new industrial buildings is available at 4% of Corporation tax, spread over a 25 year term. The phasing out of IBAs will reduce this figure to 3% from April 2008, 2% from April 2009, 1% from April 2010 with no relief available after April 2011. Many believe this move is an attack on UK industry and will discourage investment.
New Housing
The Government has introduced Planning and Housing Bills which set targets to provide 3 million new homes by 2020. Whybrow Chartered Surveyors believe this will place further pressure on the South East.
Gordon Brown has highlighted the need for increased affordable housing within his legislative program announced last week. The Government has introduced three new bills for housing and planning in the 2007-08 season. Mr. Brown wishes to meet housing needs by building over a quarter of a million more new homes, on predominately brownfield land, than previously planned. The aim is to provide a total of 3 million new homes by 2020. The annual house building target for 2016 will be raised from 200,000 to 240,000 new homes a year.
Whybrow believe this will place more pressure within the South East of England, particularly on brownfield sites either containing factories or being used for industrial purposes where profitability may be marginal.
This move may also result in the further proliferation of residential development blocks containing two-bed apartments, becoming unviable as the buy-to-let market reaches saturation.
5/9 Head Street, Colchester
Acting on behalf of Threadneedle Pension Fund, Douglas Stevens & Co and Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have sold two adjoining retail properties totalling 14,520 sq.ft. (1,349m²) over ground and two upper floors to Sportsworld Ltd in the sum of £2,350,000. No. 7/9 is with full vacant possession and No. 9 is let to Bethell & Clark and Countrywide Surveyors until 2010.
Churston Heard represented the purchaser.
4 /5 BRUNEL COURT, BRUNEL WAY, SEVERALLS PARK, COLCHESTER
Acting on behalf of Land Securities Trillium, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have let modern industrial premises extending to 17,080 sq.ft. ( 1,586.7 sq.m.) to DHL Ltd by way of a lease expiring 23rd June 2012 at £90,000 per annum exclusive. The tenant represented themselves.
Whybrow Expands Its Building Surveying And Professional Teams!
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the arrival of two new graduate surveyors who will be joining the company to expand its thriving Building Surveying and Professional departments.
Sean York has just successfully completed his BSc (Hons) degree in Property and Surveying at Anglian Ruskin University. He will be assisting our Building Surveying Director, Scott Barlow BSc MRICS.
Mark Parbury completed his BSc degree in Real Estate Management at The Oxford Brookes University in 2006 and has enjoyed a twelve month gap before joining Whybrow as a Valuation Surveyor working alongside Whybrow’s Landlord & Tenant Director, Robert Weston BSc FRICS.
Scott Barlow commented on the new appointments as follows: “the appointment of two very capable graduate surveyors demonstrates our on-going commitment to provide the best possible service to our clients at all levels.”
Another Project Completed!
Whybrow’s Building Surveying team have overseen the successful refurbishment of Mariner House, Ipswich on behalf of Cambridge based commercial investment company, Wrenbridge. Working alongside M&E specialist MLM Consulting Engineers, the £400,000 refurbishment included the installation of VRF air-conditioning, the upgrading of the reception area, lift and toilet accommodation and re-modelling of the front entrance. The works were undertaken by RG Carter Ipswich and Sapphire Cooling Services Ltd. Tenant interest in the 20,000 sqft office building is high following the refurbishment.
2 RAYNE ROAD, BRAINTREE
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors are pleased to announce the recent sale of 2 Rayne Road, Braintree. Situated in a prominent roadside position within Braintree’s town centre, the property benefits from ground and first floor sales areas and second floor storage and has a net internal floor area of 1840 sq.ft (171 sq.m).
Whybrow, acting on behalf of a private client agreed the freehold sale at a figure in excess of £300,000 to a local retailer.
TRIBUNE HOUSE, SIR ISAACS WALK, COLCHESTER
Acting on behalf of investor clients, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have let the self contained first floor office suite at Tribune House, Sir Isaacs Walk to In Print of Colchester. The 690 sq.ft of office space was let at £5,500 per annum exclusive.
40 ELD LANE, COLCHESTER
Acting on behalf of private clients, Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have let retail premises extending to 500 sq.ft (46.5 sq.m) to Coastguard Road on a new 10 year lease at a commencing rent of £25,000 per annum exclusive. The tenants represented themselves.
DEBTRAC CENTRE, NEEDHAM MARKET
Whybrow Chartered Surveyors have completed the acquisition of a 5 acre industrial site including 20,000 sq.ft. of mixed industrial / office accommodation for their in-house clients, S. Sacker Ltd. A planning application has been submitted for a change of use of the rear 1.5 acre yard to a waste transfer station incorporating a new 15,500 sq.ft. warehouse building. This will house the company’s waste operation which is currently based in Claydon. On-site tenants include Aqualicious Ltd, Fusion Provida Ltd and a car repair workshop and the agents are now offering vacant ground floor offices extending to 2,500 sq.ft. with the benefit of 20 car parking spaces at an asking rent of £17,500 per annum.
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