High profile development brings another new brand to Lincoln

A major Lincolnshire investor is celebrating a “hat-trick” – after signing-up two more national tenants for its speculative trade counter scheme in Lincoln.

Padley’s confidence in the city’s rising economy has, once again, been rewarded with news that building trade suppliers Screwfix and Kent Blaxill are bringing their brands to Bishops Trade Park, off Outer Circle Road.

This leaves the last few units remaining in the new Block A development and discussions are at an advanced stage with other propective occupiers.  Overall the wider development is expected to create 450 jobs.

The City of Lincoln Council’s Chief Executive Angela Andrews, who toured the site following the completion of the first phase, welcomed the development.

“We are delighted that Padley has invested in this part of the City and has already secured three national tenants,” said Mrs Andrews.

“This is great news for Lincoln, creating new employment and also an attractive accessible offer for trade customers and members of the public.”

These quality signings highlight how Bishops Trade Park has quickly captured the imagination of growing companies keen to have trade counter or light industrial premises in this increasingly vibrant part of Lincoln.

Banks Long & Co Director William Wall said: “Toolstation, which is part of Travis Perkins, was the first to sign-up.  The company has taken a 3,085 sq ft unit and is expected to create six to eight jobs (full time equivalent).  This will complement its existing branch in south Lincoln.

“It has been swiftly followed by Screwfix, which has taken a 4,615 sq ft unit and now Kent Blaxill, which already has 16 outlets, including one in Stamford, has taken a 3,045 sq ft mid-terrace unit.

“Trade counter operators like to cluster together.  They are finding the Bishops Trade Park attractive because the area is already estabished for this use.  We are confident this scheme has the power to provide much-needed employment for the north of the city,” added Mr Wall.

Kent Blaxill was established in the market town of Colchester as an “oil and colour” merchant in 1838, where it has continued as a family business to this day. Serving the trade and members of the public with quality paints from Farrow & Ball to Dulux and from Little Greene to Tikkurila – the leading brand in Scandinavia – the team offers customers advice on colour and all things technical.

Managing Director Simon Blaxill said: ‘We are very excited about our arrival in the historic city of Lincoln where have wanted to be for some time. We have a great location for our 17^th store following recent openings in Stamford, Market Harborough and Cambridge.

“Key to our success is our people and the atmosphere we create which is unique in the world of paint. The branch will create 4 jobs.”

Alistair Mitchell of Fenn Wright’s Ipswich office acted on behalf of Kent Blaxill in the acquisition of the Lincoln unit.

Shield Estates Director Mike Shield said: “This news is extremely satisfying.  It is clear that occupiers have noticed that this part of Lincoln is also home to Tesco Extra, Lidl, Aldi, Jewsons and Deacon Retail Park which houses B&M and Jysk.”

Padley Commercial Manager Richard Padley is delighted with the way Bishops Trade Park is shaping-up.

First phase units were made available from 3,045 sq ft in size.  Second phase properties started at 1,650 sq ft with later phases capable of accommodating larger units of 20,000 sq ft to 30,000 sq ft in size. Overall, the trade park is expected to provide 175,000 sq ft  of accommodation.

“We felt that the local market conditions were right for us to start developing our Lincoln site. There is plenty of evidence that this increasingly lively part of Lincoln – which has recently welcomed new supermarkets and retail warehouses – is attracting high-profile companies and extra footfall.

“We have been talking to potential national and local occupiers who have not only appreciated that our new trade counter units offer them great visibility, but that this area has excellent access.  The site is also about to benefit further from Lincoln’s new £120 million Eastern Bypass, which is due to be completed by May 2020,” added Mr Padley.

“We are delighted that Padley has invested in this part of the City and has already secured three national tenants,” said Mrs Andrews.