Revamped warehouse now a green house!

A warehouse near Junction 28 of the M1 has been refurbished along low-carbon guidelines as it becomes available for tenants.

FHP Property Consultants, acting on behalf of Legal & General, has brought to market the 40,000 sq ft industrial unit next to the A38.

Featuring two bays, a two-storey office and extensive parking, the refurbishment involved installing solar panels, air-source heat pumps and electric vehicle charging.

Tim Gilbertson, director at FHP, said the environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda was an increasing driver for locations in the commercial property industry.

“Not only is net zero carbon being targeted for the refurbishment, but also as a result of the PV installation, this will provide substantial anticipated electricity savings equating to more than £1 per sq ft for the next occupier, which in these testing times is a huge boost,” he said.

Tim added the warehouse was best suited to manufacturing or distribution purposes.

His plans for the sanctuary, named the Broxtowe Retreat, include reserves for rescued endangered animals, a tropicalthemed spa complete with rainforest inhabitants, and an African waterhole themed restaurant and function venue. Visitors will be able to stay in 27 guest lodges, each with views into the expansive animal habitats.

An on-site education centre with qualified teachers would provide “out of the classroom” practical experiences for schoolchildren, college and university students, and apprentices.

The planned facilities, which have been described as state-ofthe-art, would make use of solar panels, heat pumps, and rainwater capture and recycling, making it one of the first sustainable and carbon-neutral visitor facilities in the UK, according to its developer.

New ponds, water features, and a tree and hedgerow planting programme are also planned. The development would be expected to create more than 60 jobs in hospitality, education, catering, customer service, site maintenance and animal care, with local skills and suppliers prioritised.

Chris Wright, director of OMEETO, completed the deal on behalf of the landowner, William May Holdings. He said: “Mr Oliver is an extremely driven and motivated individual with a very admirable cause. We wish him every success with his plans. This is a very exciting project, which could be a major asset for the region.”