COMMERCIAL PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS AT HEART OF REVIVAL

The availability of new high quality commercial property in Ashington is at the heart of the economic revival of the Wansbeck area.

Last year there was a 6% rise in the number of businesses in the district, compared to an English average of just 3%.  As well as helping new businesses through financial assistance and expert advice, Go Wansbeck – the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative project for the area – has also assisted in the development of commercial property sites. 

Go Wansbeck’s role in this revitalisation has been recognised by judges in the prestigious Enterprising Britain competition who have named Wansbeck the most enterprising area in the North East.  It is now competing for the national title. 

The opening of Ashington’s showpiece commercial development Merchant Court, at the North Seaton Industrial Estate in Ashington, also featured a celebration of Go Wansbeck’s achievements over the past two years.   The guest of honour, Sir John Hall, told the 100-strong audience that he was born a few hundred yards from Merchant Court. 

Merchant Court is a £3 million development, built by Spencer Holdings with financial support from Go Wansbeck. It features 26 units, ranging from 226 sq ft to 8,960 sq ft.  Several are already occupied and, according to DTZ agent Chris Donabie, despite the recession the level of interest is high.  He said: “At the opening event, for example, I was approached by a company looking to expand and they have already followed up their interest by looking at one of the bigger units.  The location is ideal and being outside Tyneside the rents are very reasonable.”

Other businesses have already moved in, including Created4u – which manufactures and installs bespoke kitchens and bedrooms.

Go Wansbeck programme manager Keith Raine said: “Merchant Court is a great example of how the private and public sectors in Wansbeck are working together. With Spencer Holdings we have been able to create high quality units which will meet the need of the companies in the area who are now looking to expand, as well as businesses from outside the area who realise the many benefits of moving to Wansbeck.”