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Development partner announced for Nuneaton scheme

October 9, 2024/in Latest news

A new partnership has been formed to deliver up to 58 new homes on the site of a former school in Nuneaton.

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) is partnering with Seddon Housing Partnerships to redevelop the site of Manor Park Secondary School which closed in 2010.

Seddon, which has been appointed as development partner following a formal tender process, is one of the UK’s largest privately owned and family managed contracting businesses.

WPDG and Seddon will be working in partnership to prepare a Reserved Matters planning application to submit to Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council to enable construction work to begin on site.

Outline planning consent has already been granted and the development is set to comprise a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties, including seven dwellings for affordable housing.

Enabling works will include the demolition of existing buildings and remediation of the site, with work on the new homes expected to start early next year, pending the result of the Reserved Matters application.

WPDG was established by Warwickshire County Council in 2021 to realise the potential of its development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights in the most sustainable way possible.

From left to right – Stuart Buckley (WPDG), Richard Sterling (Seddon), Tony Clark (Seddon), John Booth (Seddon), Cllr Peter Butlin and Tony Bunney (WPDG).

Tony Bunney, Senior Development Manager at WPDG, said: “This scheme will sustainably redevelop a disused site near the town centre into a thriving new community and we are looking forward to working with Seddon to bring it forward.

“Alongside our scheme at Top Farm, this development will help to meet the housing demands in Nuneaton and provide high-quality, sustainable homes for people in the town.

“Activity will be getting underway on site over the coming weeks, with enabling works beginning as we continue to prepare the next stage of our planning application in partnership with Seddon.”

Seddon is headquartered in Bolton and has Midlands offices in Stoke and Birmingham.

Peter Jackson, Managing Director of Seddon Housing Partnerships and MEP/Renewable Energy, said: “We are honoured to be collaborating with WPDG to deliver this paramount project.

“Our team is committed to delivering exceptional results, ensuring that these houses exceed the expectations of the Nuneaton community.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “We are delighted to welcome on board Seddon Housing as our partner on this exciting new development on the former Manor Park school site.

“Through this work the County Council will continue to realise its ambition to unlock the potential in local sites and make the most of the county’s assets for the benefit of our people and communities.”

The new homes are the first phase of development on the site of the former Manor Park Secondary School, with outline planning consent also secured for an up to 65-unit Extra Care scheme.

John Edwards appointed Non-Executive Chair

October 2, 2024/in Latest news

Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) has named a new Non-Executive Chair to drive the next stage in its growth.

John Edwards has been appointed as Chair of the board for WPDG – with previous Chair Ian Cox stepping down after three years in the role.

Edwards, who lives in Warwick, has extensive experience in urban and rural regeneration, economic development and property development.

He is the former Chief Executive of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and Chair of the NHS Dudley Group of Hospitals. His last position was Chair of Midland Heart, one of the largest housing associations in the Midlands, a role he held for nine-years until 2023.

WPDG was launched by Warwickshire County Council in 2021 to realise the full potential of the Council’s development sites, commercial buildings and mineral rights across Warwickshire.

Edwards said: “I’m inheriting a business which is in a very good place and in a strong position to take advantage of opportunities across Warwickshire.

“The senior team here has great ideas on how to move the business forward and the board will work with the team to realise those plans.

“We have an excellent working partnership with Warwickshire County Council, we are delivering results for the Council and that relationship will be crucial as we move forward.

“Our focus remains on delivering economic value for the county while positively contributing to the lives of people that live and work in Warwickshire.

“We will continue to develop high-quality, sustainable homes across a variety of tenures, ensuring our work benefits all areas of the county and we will be exploring more opportunities in commercial development, with the aim of creating more projects like our successful scheme in Southam.”

John Edwards and outgoing chair Ian Cox

Outgoing Non-Executive Chair Ian Cox has overseen the launch and first three years of operations at WPDG.

The group has completed its first commercial scheme and has a pipeline of 250,000 sq ft of commercial floorspace. Its first homes are also now completed and the group has a residential pipeline of 2,200 homes being delivered directly and through its joint venture, Develop Warwickshire.

Cox added: “I’m proud of what we have achieved at WPDG over the last few years. We’ve had a strong start, however as the company continues to grow, we felt it was essential to bring someone on board with the next level of expertise.

“John brings the right skillset and mindset to carry us forward, while still retaining the company culture and collaborative ethos which has set strong foundations for WPDG’s sustainable future.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “I want to pass on my thanks to Ian for his valued contribution to WPDG and leading the board during its first chapter during which the business has achieved so much in such a short space of time.

“I’m delighted to welcome John whose track record and experience speaks for itself. John will be a great asset to the board as it continues to work closely with WPDG’s leadership team to deliver on its ambitious development programme.

“Through WPDG and the Develop Warwickshire joint venture we deliver on our aim to make the county an attractive place to live and do business. This isn’t just about delivering about bricks and mortar, but about all the elements that make Warwickshire a thriving place to live, work and visit.”

Develop Warwickshire welcomes first resident at Brookmill Meadows

August 29, 2024/in Latest news

Develop Warwickshire welcomes first resident at Brookmill Meadows in Warton, Warwickshire

The first Develop Warwickshire residents, Sam, his partner and two dogs, have moved into their home at Brookmill Meadows, a new development of 71 two-, three- and four-bedroom houses and bungalows in Warton, Warwickshire.

Samuel Ward, who recently moved into a four-bedroom home in Brookmill Meadows from Leicester with his partner and their two dogs, said: “We chose Warton as I wanted to be closer to my parents and friends after living in Leicester. What drew us to this house was the size of the main bedroom as well as the windows. The ones in the kitchen are amazing – it’s gorgeous how much light they let in.”

The development prioritises affordable homes, with 40 percent designated as affordable housing, evenly split between shared ownership and affordable rent options. Sustainability is the core of the development with each home constructed using modern methods of construction and incorporates features such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

Michael Moore, Operations Director of Vistry North West Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to welcome the first resident, Sam, to Brookmill Meadows. This joint venture is incredibly important in meeting the housing shortage in the area with family homes built using environmentally responsible methods.

“We’re excited to be a part of Develop Warwickshire and to be entrusted with the build of these much-needed new homes which will contribute to the character of the area and create a thriving and sustainable communities.”

Brookmill Meadows is the first scheme developed by Develop Warwickshire, a joint venture between Warwickshire Property and Development Group (WPDG), Warwickshire County Council and Vistry Group.

Develop Warwickshire has committed £2.5 billion to create much-needed new homes and job opportunities for local residents. The partnership’s dedication to sustainable development aligns with local authority criteria and aims to enhance the quality of life for Warwickshire residents.

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), said: “Less than two years ago we were still in the planning process for this scheme, so to now be welcoming our first resident shows how Develop Warwickshire can move quickly to deliver high-quality, sustainable homes.

“Samuel and his partner are not only the first residents at Brookmill Meadows, but the inaugural owners of any Develop Warwickshire home! We hope they will be very happy in Warton.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “We are extremely proud of the Develop Warwickshire partnership between Vistry, Warwickshire Property and Development Group and Warwickshire County Council.

“This development marks a significant milestone in our ambitious, long-term vision to create sustainable, high-quality, and affordable new homes that really enhance our county, and we hope that Sam and his family will make many wonderful memories in their new home at Brookmill Meadows.”

The joint venture is ground-breaking in its scale and longevity. Over the next 30 years, Develop Warwickshire will help bring sites forward for housing providing over 1,800 much needed new homes in Warwickshire.

Bike hire opens for business at The Stratford Greenway

August 21, 2024/in Latest news

A new bike hire business has recently opened on The Stratford Greenway.

Mercia Cycles began operating at the start of the summer holidays and is currently open 9am to 5pm, seven days a week, providing a vast range of bikes and carts to visitors.

This includes mountain bikes, traditional bikes with baskets, sand tyre bikes, cargo bikes, hybrid bikes, and children’s bikes and karts. Advanced booking is not required.

The cycle hire is conveniently located at the Seven Meadows car park end of the Greenway, making it an ideal starting point for both cycling the length of the Greenway and exploring Stratford-upon-Avon and the surrounding villages by bike.

Visitors can also enjoy some refreshment at the two converted railway carriage cafés: Bobby’s Cafe, located next to Mercia Cycles, and Milcote Café, located by Milcote car park at the far end of the Greenway.

Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Climate, Environment and Culture at Warwickshire County Council, commented:

“It’s fantastic to see this vibrant new venture serving the visitors to The Stratford Greenway. Active travel is a key priority for Warwickshire County Council as it offers a range of important benefits such as lower costs, improved health outcomes and a variety of benefits for the environment over travel by car.

“Over the last five years, we have been investing heavily in our walking and cycling infrastructure and hope this new cycle hire facility at the Stratford Greenway will be a great opportunity for our residents and visitors to get on bikes and explore some of the many beautiful sights in the local area.”

A licence has been agreed for the cycle hire venture by Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM) on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages lettings on hundreds of Warwickshire County Council-owned properties.

Mandeep Padan, Asset Manager at WPM, said: “Mercia Cycles is already encouraging residents and visitors to get active, socialise and enjoy the Stratford Greenway, along with exploring other nearby cycle routes. Over the past year we have completed new leases for the railway carriage cafes at Stratford Greenway and the cycle hire will further enhance what is already a vibrant and thriving country park.”

Picture caption: Dale Huddlestone and one of his award-winning Hebridean sheep

Flock of Hebridean sheep extend stay at Ryton Pools Country Park

August 12, 2024/in Latest news

A flock of Hebridean sheep which have proved popular amongst families visiting a Warwickshire Country Park are helping to boost its biodiversity.

Shepherd Dale Huddlestone introduced his pedigree flock of sheep to land at Ryton Pools Country Park last year and after a successful trial year, the flock is set to remain until at least 2034.

He has signed a letting agreement extension with Warwickshire County Council, through its managing agent Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM).

Dale’s flock of Hebridean sheep (often referred to as ‘Hebs’ – Hardy Economical Black Sheep), has grown from 50 to 100 and have been grazing across two different fields which are a combined 35 acres of land at Ryton Pools.

Picture caption: Dale Huddlestone and one of his award-winning Hebridean sheep

The sheep are ideally positioned as winter conservation grazers and are playing a key role in enhancing biodiversity on the park’s hay meadow, with the aim of boosting the diversity of traditional flower species.

Hebrideans are lightweight and that means they won’t excessively trample ground, and as pasture grazers will eat many of the weed species.

The black sheep have proved popular with visitors to the park too, with families stopping to look at the flock.

They have also been successful in major county show competitions, winning breed male champion at the national show at Royal Lancashire and previously picking up winning rosettes at the Royal Three Counties, Staffordshire County and Royal Cheshire shows. Dale also went on to achieve overall breed champion at Moreton in Marsh with his ram Revel Clegane, who was grazed at Ryton Pools all of last year.

Dale Huddlestone said: “We’ve had a really successful start to this project at Ryton Pools and from a biodiversity standpoint we are seeing the benefits already.

“Hebridean sheep are popular for conservation grazing and ideal for carrying out the work required to support the conservation project.

“The Hebs have definitely been a hit with people visiting the park too and it has been great to see so many people interested in the flock. They stand out in the field and have added to the offer the park has to visitors.

“The flock is continuing to grow too, as we have had a positive year of breeding, we let some of the ewes lamb here this year, which has been successful with no human intervention other than the usual welfare checks”

“I’ve spent time with my family at the park over the years and it’s great to be able to have a positive impact on such an important space for the region.”

The project is aligned with the conservation and wildlife management strategy at Ryton Pools Country Park. The meadow has been under a Biodiversity Net Gain scheme since 2017.

Councillor Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate and Culture, said: “Dale Huddlestone’s flock of characterful Hebridean Sheep at Ryton Pools support rangers in their vital work promoting and protecting biodiversity. They have quickly become a valuable and much-loved part of our park, and I’m delighted the trial year has gone so well that we are now able to extend the arrangement.

“The sheep are part of one of multiple biodiversity projects taking place across Warwickshire County Council that bring us closer to our net zero targets as well as preserving our county’s natural beauty and wildlife.”

WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages lettings on hundreds of Warwickshire County Council-owned properties.

Dale Partridge, Head of Asset Management at WPDG, said: “Dale’s first trial year was a success and it is clear that his sheep are bringing significant benefits to the biodiversity project at Ryton Pools Country Park.

“We’re pleased to have secured a further lease which will enable Dale and his flock of sheep to continue their work on this important project over the next decade.”

Find out more about the sheep here https://countryparks.warwickshire.gov.uk/news/article/27/meet-the-sheep-at-ryton-pools-country-park-

Work starts on first homes at Top Farm

July 25, 2024/in Latest news

Construction of the first homes is underway at a major 1,700 home scheme on the edge of Nuneaton.

Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council, has started work on the first 51 homes at the development which will be known as Milby Meadows at Top Farm in Weddington.

The green light was given to the first phase of homes at Milby Meadows by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council last month on the largest scheme from the joint venture which will create a thriving new community.

The sustainable homes will be built using modern methods of construction, with features including air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points.

Infrastructure work to create a northern link road tying together the surrounding developments is also underway. This will provide access to the new 11-16 secondary school at the site, which is currently under construction, will support 900 pupils and looking to be completed by the Department for Education in September 2025.

Outline planning permission for Top Farm was granted in late 2022 and will include both a primary and secondary school, a local centre, extensive public open space and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads.

Lambe Construction is now on site completing the initial groundworks.

A planning application has been submitted by Develop Warwickshire for the next stage of the development – which if successful – will enable the next 480 homes, a community park, play areas and public open space to be created.

When completed, the development will feature a mix of 1, 2, 3 and 4-bed properties. It will be a mix of private sale, private rent and affordable – with 25 per cent of homes being affordable housing. Platform Housing Group is the affordable housing partner for the development.

Develop Warwickshire has committed £2.5 billion to create new homes across the county and the development partners joined together to mark the start of work on its biggest scheme.

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director for WPDG, said: “We achieved outline planning permission for this site in November 2022, so to be on site in less than two years is a huge achievement for a scheme of this scale.

“We are creating a sustainable community at Milby Meadows, with 1,700 homes, schools, a local centre, parks and public open space. It will give local people access to excellent quality homes and act as a catalyst for economic growth in Nuneaton.

“We will be making significant infrastructure improvements in the local area and the first of those are underway as part of this phase of the project.

“The strength of Develop Warwickshire is our ability to move quickly, be agile and accelerate the pace of the delivery. That has been evident at Brookmill Meadows in Warton and will be replicated here at Milby Meadows.”

Phil McHugh, Vistry Group’s Managing Director for North West Midlands, said: “I was delighted to meet with our partners at Develop Warwickshire to celebrate the start of work on this 1,700 property development which will deliver much-needed houses that cater for everybody’s needs in this much sought after location. Vistry North West Midlands is proud to partner with both WCC and WPDG and looks forward to delivering our second scheme in the county as part of Develop Warwickshire.

“These types of schemes really bring Vistry’s ability to deliver high quality place making at pace. Milby Meadows at Top Farm will provide a great opportunity for anyone looking for a high-quality new home in an inclusive and sustainable community.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, added: “The start on site for Milby Meadows is a hugely significant milestone for the Develop Warwickshire partnership as we continue to work together to make the most of the county’s assets to create a lasting and positive social impact.

“Unlocking Council sites to create sustainable, high-quality homes and communities is a key ambition for the Council, and Develop Warwickshire plays a major role in this.”

PICTURE CAPTION: From left to right, Leighton Claire (Vistry), Joanne Noakes (Platform Housing Group), Phil McHugh (Vistry), Cllr Peter Butlin, James Devereux (WPDG), Rob Andrews (WPDG) and Stuart Buckley (WPDG).

Licences renewed for ice cream van operators across Warwickshire

July 10, 2024/in Latest news

Warwickshire residents are being encouraged to support their local ice cream vans at popular country parks this summer.

Licenses have been renewed for ice cream van operators county-wide by Warwickshire Property Management Ltd (WPM) on behalf of Warwickshire County Council.

This means that friendly faces will continue to operate in Warwickshire’s country parks for another year – with many occupying the same spots for more than a decade.

This year WPM Ltd has completed four new licences for ice cream vans across the county.

Alan Sullivan, who operates at Burton Dassett Hills Country Park, and David Smith, who operates The Ice Cream Centre at Ryton Pools Country Park, are two of the operators to have had their licenses renewed for the year.

Many ice cream van operators are family businesses and that is the case with Alan Sullivan. His father, now 86, previously ran the business and Alan, 64, has been supporting his father since the age of eight.

He has operated at Burton Dassett for more than 20 years.

Alan said: “It’s a great business to be in and a friendly one too. Over the years we have got to know a lot of people working at the park and visitors too. We try to keep the prices sensible to maintain that customer base.

“Over the years it hasn’t changed a whole lot, people skills are still the backbone of running an ice cream van.

“Our fingers are crossed for a good summer, but believe it or not you don’t want it to be baking hot as that isn’t good for sales. It’s been a mixed start with the weather but my philosophy is that it always balances out over the year.”

David Smith, managing director of The Ice Cream Centre, has been operating at Ryton Pools for 13 years and has renewed his licence for another year.

His van can be found by The Foothills play area. David has had an obsession with ice cream since he was seven-years-old in 1975.

David said: “I was one of those children that went to the ice cream van every day, even if I couldn’t buy it, I was fascinated by everything ice cream.

“Across all of our vans we have a pride before profit approach. We have a policy that all of our vehicles are no more than two years old, and are low or zero emission. This resulted in us investing £178,000 in new vans this year.

“We’re hoping for a dry, warm summer and the ideal temperature is 21 to 23 degrees, anything above that and sales start to dip dramatically.

“It’s a tough job. We work 20 hours a day, seven days a week, for eight months of the year.

“But I love working at Ryton Pools. It is a lovely place to be, the seasons bring new colours and new species. I have great relationships with my regular customers and we’re proud to be based at the park.”

WPM is part of Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG), which manages lettings on hundreds of Warwickshire County Council-owned properties.

Mandeep Padan, Asset Manager at WPM, said: “We have some incredible country parks across Warwickshire and there is nothing better than enjoying an ice cream on a summer afternoon.

“We’re pleased to have been able to extend licences for ice cream operators across the county like David and Alan.”

Cllr Heather Timms, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate & Culture at Warwickshire County Council, added: “Supporting our ice cream vans goes beyond enjoying a tasty treat; it’s also about fostering community spirit and sustaining local businesses that bring joy to Warwickshire’s residents and visitors.

“We are delighted to see these family-centred, ethically-minded operations continue to thrive and contribute to the vibrant atmosphere of our parks. Businesses such as these play a vital role in making Warwickshire’s Country Parks places that can be enjoyed and supported by all, both now and for generations to follow.”

Green light for first 51 homes at Top Farm, Nuneaton

June 5, 2024/in Latest news

Develop Warwickshire partners have been given the green light for the first 51 homes at Top Farm in Nuneaton.

The first 51 of 1,700 new homes at Top Farm in Weddington, Nuneaton have been given the green light by Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council marking a significant milestone for Develop Warwickshire, the joint venture between Vistry, the UK’s leading provider of affordable mixed-tenure homes, Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG) and Warwickshire County Council.

Work on the first phase of the development is expected to start over the summer and will also include the creation of a northern link road, an access road from the east of the site, extensive open spaces as well as a further 500 new family homes with the planning application for these recently submitted.

Top Farm is the largest of the Develop Warwickshire sites with its fully mixed-tenure community planned to top 1700 two-, three-, and four-bedroom houses and bungalow homes. The new community will sit adjacent to Weddington to the west and south and St Nicholas Park to the east. Nuneaton town centre and the railway station are just over a five-minute drive away.

Outline planning permission for Top Farm was granted in late 2022 and the final new community will include both a primary and secondary school, a local centre, extensive public open space and multi-functional green infrastructure, and new roads. It will not only provide 1,700 much-needed homes and facilities for local people but will also act as a catalyst for investment and job creation in the surrounding areas.

Each home will be constructed using modern methods of construction, incorporating features such as air source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging points. Additionally, the development will boast energy-efficient design elements, incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems and will include beautifully landscaped green open space.

Phil McHugh, Vistry Group’s Managing Director for North West Midlands, said: “Vistry Group is delighted to get planning approval to start work on the first 51 homes at Top Farm. This marks a significant milestone in our commitment to delivering 2,000 high-quality, affordable homes that enhance communities and meet the diverse housing needs in Warwickshire.”

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of WDPG, said: “Develop Warwickshire has made great strides as a joint venture over the last two years and the green light for our biggest scheme marks another pivotal point in our ambitious partnership. This is only the beginning for the Top Farm development which will eventually see the delivery 1,700 sustainable homes and the creation of a thriving new community in Nuneaton.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, said: “This is great news and demonstrates how the Develop Warwickshire partnership is key to our ambition to make the most of the county’s assets. It is creating a lasting and positive impact for the benefit of local people and local communities, delivering developments which make our county an even more attractive place to live and do business.”

Develop Warwickshire has committed £2.5 billion to create much-needed new homes and job opportunities for local residents. The partnership’s dedication to sustainable development aligns with local authority criteria and aims to enhance the quality of life for Warwickshire residents.

Warwickshire’s commercial property offer to go under the spotlight at major real estate conference

May 10, 2024/in Latest news

Warwickshire County Council will be promoting its real estate offer at the forthcoming UKREiiF exhibition and conference, the major annual UK property development and investment conference and exhibition.

Invest Coventry & Warwickshire and the Warwickshire Property & Development Group are joining forces with the West Midlands Growth Company and Midlands Engine Partnership as well as local developers to promote the opportunities in the county of Warwickshire to an event delegation of over 10,000.

It will also be an opportunity to profile the Property Infrastructure Fund (PIF), the property strand of the Warwickshire Investment Fund, a loan fund which can be deployed to help unlock new property and infrastructure build.

The event takes place from 21-23 May and Invest Coventry & Warwickshire will be exhibiting within the West Midlands Pavilion, as well as hosting a Warwickshire focused event on 22 May in the Midlands Engine Partnership Pavilion from 9am-10.30am.

The event is called ‘Warwickshire Creating Places’ and brings together public and private partners including HORIBA-MIRA, Stoford and Tritax Symmetry. The panel also includes representation from global property advisors CBRE, who are delivering the PIF Fund.

The event will look at some of the growing sectors in Warwickshire and the type of commercial property being brought forward to support their expansion, and also the role and types of partnership bringing forward development.

Tritax Symmetry was recently joined by Warwickshire County Council, Rugby Borough Council and Winvic Construction at Symmetry Park Rugby to mark the official start of work on the next phase of this major development on the edge of Rugby town centre.

In phase 2, the company is bringing forward three high quality industrial units ranging from 170,473 sq ft up to 390,694 sq ft. All three will be built to net-zero carbon in construction standards, targetting BREEAM Excellent and EPC A+, and set to complete in Autumn 2024.

Cllr Peter Butlin, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for property and finance, said:

“It’s great news for the county that we can showcase the county’s property offer at such a prestigious conference. Warwickshire is ideally situated at the heart of the country’s transport infrastructure, and access to the right skills and talent; that is the first advantage that any company that is located here can enjoy. And, secondly, we have a team of experts who support any companies relocating to the region, or expanding within it, to make sure their businesses have every opportunity to flourish.”

Warwickshire Property & Development Group formed in 2021 to add value to Warwickshire County Council’s landholding.

Since launching, WPDG has delivered a multi-let industrial scheme of nine units and entered into award-winning joint venture Develop Warwickshire which will deliver 1,800 new homes in partnership with Vistry Group

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director at Warwickshire Property & Development Group, said:

“We’re pleased to be joining our partners at UKREiFF to showcase the fantastic real estate opportunities across Warwickshire.

“We have developed a strong pipeline of residential and commercial sites and are in the perfect position to speak with potential residential development partners and prospective occupiers for local centres at UKREiFF.”

Joseph Skinner, Associate Development Director at Tritax Symmetry, commented:

“Following the recent commencement of the second phase of our development, we’re delighted to be joining our partners in the region at UKREiFF. We feel that our development is an exemplar of what can be achieved for a region when partners across both public and private sector come together. These partnerships will be essential in providing the space to match the region’s ambitions.”

Registration can be done via the link  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/warwickshire-creating-places-at-ukreiif-2024-tickets-876464718567

More information on UKREiiF can be found on this link: https://www.ukreiif.com/

Auto Fasteners expands in Southam at Sucham Park

May 9, 2024/in Latest news

A leading global supplier of fasteners and metal engineered components to the automotive sector has expanded its presence in Southam by taking up 15,000 sq ft of space at a new industrial scheme.

Auto Fasteners Ltd, which already has five units in Southam, has signed a 10-year lease on a trio of units at Sucham Park to support its continued expansion.

It will provide warehouse, assembly, quality inspection and office space for the business which supplies parts to Volvo Group, Scania, Daimler Group, Ford, Stellantis, VW Group, Aston Martin and Jaguar Land Rover to name but a few.

Sucham Park is a 42,200 sq ft scheme from Warwickshire Property & Development Group (WPDG). WPDG has created nine new commercial units on the site at Holywell Business Park, which forms part of the Kineton Road Industrial Estate.

The business, which has 14 staff, formed by Scott Simpson in 2007 and moved to Southam in 2011. It is a major exporter with 90 per cent of its business exporting around the world, supplying OEMs with engineered fasteners and metal components of the highest quality.

From left to right – Mamoona Hussain (Wright Hassall), Mark Booth (Bromwich Hardy), Tamsyn Collett (Office Manager, Auto Fasteners), Dan Collett (General Manager, Auto Fasteners), Scott Simpson (Managing Director, Auto Fasteners), Rob Andrews (WPDG), Stuart Buckley (WPDG) and Councillor Peter Butlin (Warwickshire County Council).

Scott Simpson, Founder and Managing Director of Auto Fasteners, said: “We’re growing with our long-term customers and gaining new customers too, which has contributed to year-on-year turnover growth and a need for more space to support our expansion.

“It gives us the option to keep expanding and explore new opportunities. We have business in North America, Brazil, India, Japan and all over Europe.

“We are currently going through the process of opening a facility in North America, but our Headquarters will always remain here in Southam, Warwickshire.

“The location of Sucham Park is perfect for us, it’s a stone’s throw from our existing space in Southam and the units are a good size for what we are looking to do.”

Auto Fasteners is the second business to lease space at the development in Southam, which features units ranging from 1,900 to 15,000 sq ft in size.

Stuart Buckley, Managing Director of WPDG, said: “Sucham Park has been built to provide high-quality space to enable businesses to continue to grow and thrive in Warwickshire.

“Auto Fasteners are a perfect example of this and it is fantastic that they have expanded their presence in Southam with this new deal.

“We are continuing to see significant interest in space at Sucham Park as it continues to develop into a hub for business in Southam.”

Councillor Peter Butlin, Deputy Leader of Warwickshire County Council and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property, added: “It’s great to see that Sucham Park is the preferred location to support the local growth of Auto Fasteners and pays testament to the hard work of Warwickshire Property & Development Group.

“Sucham Park is a brilliant example of a high-quality development that provides expansion potential for companies and employment opportunities for local people.”

Bromwich Hardy has been appointed to market the units at Sucham Park to prospective tenants and completed the lease.

Mark Booth, surveyor with the Coventry-based commercial property specialist, said Sucham Park had generated huge interest.

He said: “This is exactly the sort of high-quality commercial space the region needs and it’s great to see a thriving company like Auto Fasteners expanding its operation here. The site sets the standards for the future with its impeccable green credentials and we would urge any company interested in the remaining units to get in touch quickly, such is the level of interest.”

Andrew Jones, Partner at Leamington law firm Wright Hassall, advised on the lease on behalf of WPDG, with Auto Fasteners represented by Thomas Flavell & Sons Solicitors.

Andrew said: “We are extremely pleased to support WPDG on its very first industrial scheme.

“There is significant demand for this size of unit from SMEs across the area, and it is fantastic to see WPDG helping to fill this gap in the market.

“We would be delighted to see more of these types of developments come to fruition across the region to support businesses and the growth of our economy.”

WPDG will be attending UKREiiFF, the major annual UK property development and investment conference and exhibition, from 21 to 23 May. WPDG will be hosting a stand in partnership with Invest Coventry & Warwickshire in the West Midlands Pavilion.