High demand for former industrial site

Apr 30 2008 by Aled Blake, Western Mail

REFURBISHMENT work on the former Hills Industries premises on the Pontygwindy Industrial Estate in Caerphilly has been completed.

Developer Garrison Barclay Estates acquired the property, comprising 144,000 sq ft on an eight-acre site, after the closure of Australian manufacturer Hills Industries in 2006.

Garrison Barclay, a developer specialising in the regeneration of disused industrial sites, carried out a comprehensive upgrading and refurbishment programme of the buildings to create a range of trade counter, industrial and warehouse accommodation.

Following the acquisition, property consultants Atisreal and Caerphilly-based Brinsons were appointed joint agents and have been responsible for marketing the refurbished units, the majority of which are now occupied.

Mark Sutton, surveyor at Atisreal said: “The occupier-focused refurbishment programme has provided a mix of trade counter and industrial units from 3,000 sq ft upwards.

“Following the flexible approach taken by our clients, we have been able to offer the units effectively freehold or on leasehold terms and in return, occupier interest has been strong with less than 20% of the scheme remaining.”

One recent occupier to the estate is JR Industries, manufacturers of roller shutter doors for commercial vehicles, which has relocated from Cardiff and occupy the largest building on the development at 64,961 sq ft.

Reflecting the broad range of accommodation available, kitchen and joinery trade supplier, Howdens have recently begun trading from another prominent detached unit on the site.

Other occupiers include Heatforce heating, fireplace and bathroom specialists, custom motorcycle builders Trike Design, Edan Print Services and Newmans who have set up a micro brewery in one of the units.

Trevor Isaac, director at Brinsons, said: “The redevelopment of the Hills site is encouraging for the local area and the interest and take up in the scheme has exceeded all expectations.

“With a wide range of occupiers moving to the estate this is a promising sign for future redevelopment in the Caerphilly area.”

There are just three units remaining, which are between 7,000 sq ft and 11,500 sq ft, offering a mix of prominent trade counter, industrial and warehouse accommodation and are available to let or to buy.