"Tell us what you need" says Data Park owner

Monday 07 October 2019

The owner of the site on Route Militaire originally intended to become a Data Park is asking to hear from businesses looking for industrial units, so it can design the site to meet their needs.

The 14.67 acre site, which now aims to become the 'Guernsey Business Park', was sold to RED fund last month for an undisclosed sum.

Now, the private investor-backed real estate developer is starting a consultation to understand what the demand is.

Pictured: The site was originally meant to be Guernsey's 'Data Park', but plans never got off the ground. 

"This is a unique opportunity as there is nowhere in the island that offers a cleared site of this size, which is zoned as a key industrial area, and has the flexibility to offer a mix of options. For RED fund and its advisers, this is a blank canvas and we want to hear from any business that may have requirement for new premises," RED Fund Chairman, Andrew Haining, said.

"We don’t want to design a scheme that is at odds with demand. The only way to know what the true demand is by asking potential owners and occupiers to find out what space they need, the make up of that space, whether they want to own it or lease it and if they want it fitted out or shell and core."

Pictured: The site on the Route Militaire was sold earlier in the year. 

At the moment, the site has industrial zoning. This means it can be used for a range of different things, including storage, fulfilment, distribution and manufacturing. Right now, the owners are expecting occupants to include those within the construction industry, the creative and design sector, and IT businesses.

Mr Haining added: "We are very conscious that the site has lain empty for several years and the impact this uncertainty has had on neighbours. By engaging with potential occupiers at this early stage, we can then negotiate with interested parties while also working on the design with planners so that life can finally be breathed into Route Militaire industrial site." 

RED fund is working with Watts Property Consultants, who will be people's contact point to express what they want from the site. 

"Having marketed and negotiated the sale of the site, we are delighted to be working with RED fund on the next chapter. It’s a different approach to ask for expressions of interest before work on the site begins and we are looking forward to speaking to businesses to understand what their future plans are to ensure that the future make up of development reflects the demand and needs," said Associate Director Wing Lai.

Anyone wanting more information or to register an interest should contact Wing Lai at Watts Property Consultants on 740071 or email wing.lai@watts.property.

Pictured top: Wing Lai and Andrew Haining.