DORSET BUSINESS FOCUS / NEWS
Presidents Column by Caron Khan
Southampton makes UK City of Culture 2025 final
Future with Ferndown 50 Planning permission has been granted for a new distribution and storage warehouse in East Dorset. Property consultancy Vail Williams, a Dorset Chamber member, has been appointed, jointly with Realest, for Ferndown 50 at Ferndown Industrial Estate, Ferndown, near Bournemouth. Development of the 53,600 sq ft leasehold unit, on a 2.37-acre site at 45 Cobham Road, which was previously used as a yard by building materials supplier Travis Perkins, is due to start this summer. Completion is scheduled for March 2023. Bournemouth-based Haycock Holdings is the owner and developer of Ferndown 50 and recently leased an adjacent two acres of open storage to Keyline, a supplier of civils and drainage materials to the construction industry. Bryony Solan, as Associate at the Bournemouth office of Vail Williams, said: “Commercial demand for quality distribution and storage space is strong – we are confident that Ferndown 50 will be sought after by discerning companies. “Furthermore, given the cost of energy, Ferndown 50 has a targeted energy performance certificate of A – the highest rating available, meaning potentially lower running costs for the occupier. more news online - www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/news
“There will be 34 car parking spaces for staff and visitors, with electric vehicle charging points.” Other specifications include a 63-metre fenced and gate yard, with five dock level loading doors, two level loading doors and an 11.75m eaves height. Adrian Whitfield, Director of Industrial & Logistics at Realest, said: “This is an exciting project, which will deliver much-needed, highquality urban logistics space in this location. “We look forward to working with Vail Williams to secure the new tenant for our forwardthinking developer client, Haycock Holdings.” Ferndown Industrial Estate is an established industrial, warehouse and logistics location with occupiers such as Screwfix, Travis Perkins, Howdens, DPD, CEF, Caterpillar, Porsche, Greggs and Anytime Fitness. The estate benefits from direct access to the A31, via Cobham Road, and the A31 provides links to the A35 and the M27/M3 motorway networks, making Ferndown Industrial Estate a well-connected logistics location in Dorset. Dorset Council approved the development following the application by Haycock Holdings. www.vailwilliams.com
I am delighted to announce that after two years of sustained work and stiff competition, our neighbouring city, Southampton has made it to the final four in the running to become the UK City of Culture 2025. The applications saw a record 20 locations apply, with eight making it to the longlist, down to only four for the shortlist. Southampton is joined by Bradford, County Durham and Wrexham, and the winner will be announced at the end of May. The city owes a huge debt of gratitude to so many people for this achievement. Along with the backing from the City Council, thousands of people have supported the bid – not just in the communities of Southampton but across the wider Solent region, including our own BCP Council. The bid for Southampton to become UK City of Culture for 2025 has brought the city together, embracing the world of creators, children and young people, artists, academics, businesses and civic leaders. I’ve been honoured to work with the team at the bid and to have seen first-hand the hard work and relentless long hours put in from a very small but passionate team of talented people. A team of people who all share the same ambition – to see Southampton thrive as a vibrant and inclusive City. The winner of the title will be announced at the end of May 2022, but whatever happens – this is truly a moment of celebration for Southampton! Please Support Southampton 2025 by liking and following Southampton 2025’s social channels: Twitter: @southampton2025 Instagram: @southampton2025 Website: www.southampton2025.co.uk Hashtags: #SO25 #Southampton2025 #makeitSO 11
