The sale of the final three industrial units at Priority Sites’ scheme in Launceston, Cornwall means that the regeneration specialist has sold all of the developments from its 2006 start on-site programme for the South West – the majority of which sold within months of completion.

At Launceston, the seven industrial units making up the 43,000 sq ft scheme at Pennygillam Industrial Estate, have been snapped up by local businesses.

Launceston, which completed in June this year, was Priority Sites’ final scheme to start from its 2006 programme of development in Cornwall. The programme has delivered 200,000 sq ft of industrial, hybrid and office space, including schemes at St Columb Major, Saltash and Redruth

With a thriving demand for high quality modern workspace across the region, Priority Sites has found that more than 90% of the units were sold or under offer within three months of a scheme completing.

Miles Carden, area development manager for Priority Sites explains: “As Cornwall’s commercial base is being rekindled with the emergence of new SME businesses so we have found a flourishing market for our units.

“Whether it is existing companies that are wanting to expand, new start-ups, or firms relocating to Cornwall, all have been on the lookout for modern premises that provide the right environment and sufficient flexibility to run their businesses effectively.

“Our current programme will see a further 200,000 sq ft being delivered to market, including more office space to meet the burgeoning growth that the region is now experiencing within the knowledge economy.

Martha Lea from Alder King adds: ”The continued strength of regeneration in Cornwall has meant that businesses demand quality accommodation to support relocation and business growth.

“Priority Sites offers high specification, well-located developments that are ideally placed to support Cornwall’s resurgence. Every scheme we have brought to the market on behalf of Priority Sites has attracted immediate interest and we have found a ready appetite within Cornwall.”

Companies that are now occupying Priority Sites developments include:

1. Digital printing company, The Print Environment
Relocated from Leicestershire to become the latest and final occupier on phase three of development at St Columb Major’s flourishing business park. The company had spent several months looking for suitable premises, as Nick Davies, who is joint managing partner of The Print Environment with John Purse, explains:
“We were initially looking for a farm with outbuildings to convert as we’d been told it was rare to find suitably sized modern units in Cornwall. Having come across the St Columb Major development, we decided to purchase a 5,000 sq ft unit that has given us ample room for a studio and to grow the business, particularly as we plan to take on extra staff in the near future. The high quality of both the units and the site really attracted us to St Columb.”
 
2. Mountain bike importer and distributor Silverfish
Bought the remaining two units at the Priority Sites industrial development on the Saltash Parkway Industrial Estate, having relocated from Plymouth. A quarter of the 10,000 sq ft space is being used for office accommodation, with the remaining area utilised for warehousing for bikes, equipment and clothing.

Silverfish managing director Darren Mabbott comments: “Buying the units ends a lengthy search for suitable new premises which seem to be a scarce commodity in the Plymouth area. We had outgrown our previous accommodation and there were logistical problems associated with having two separate warehouses. The new units are high specification and are right next door to each other that will suit us, and the space will allow for further expansion of our business.” 

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