Chivers reports health among smaller occupiers

A spate of deals in the Warrington area suggests encouraging numbers of the area's SMEs are weathering the economic storm.

Cumbria-based Total Postweigh Services has taken 5,926 sq ft unit 5 at Gemini Park based on a five year lease on a stepped rental basis.

Clearview Home Improvements has taken 6,110 sq ft unit 6 at Gemini Park on a three year lease at a rent equivalent to £6.25/sq ft.

Gemini Park is owned by ING UK Real Estate Income Trust, which is part of the parent ING Real Estate group.

A national vehicle repair workshop company has also bought the 10,682 sq ft industrial property Armistice House, which is close to Warrington town centre.

Colin Chivers, of agents Eileen Bilton Partnership, said: "Companies are now starting to see that this is the best time to acquire premises as there are deals available which look competitive compared to 18 months ago and may not be available for long.

"With the prospects of little new property development in the near future, existing accommodation of a good standard or refurbished will continue to attract interest from forward thinking companies who are taking advantage of beneficial terms being offered presently by some landlords."

Chivers also reported a string of office and hybrid property deals approaching 14,000 sq ft at Priority Sites' Turnstone Business Park in Widnes.

Deals have been done with companies including Edmundson Electrical, Wirral-Tech, ABS Engineering and Aerelink.

King Sturge are joint agents on Turnstone Business Park in Widnes and Gemini Park in Warrington.