University Adds To Its Business Investment In Derby
8 February 2012
(L to r) Marc Ballard of Salloway Property Consultants, Martin Langsdale of Raybould & Sons, University Director of Estates Ian Willgoose and Tim Garratt, Director at Innes England, celebrate the handover of the Lonsdale House property.
Ian Willgoose, Director of Estates for the University of Derby.
(L to r) Ian Willgoose and Tim Garratt outside the University's new building.
The University of Derby is continuing its investment in the city with the purchase of a new business site.
It has bought Lonsdale House on Quaker Way, immediately north-west of Derby city centre, which was a vacant property. The vendor was represented in the sale by Raybould & Sons and Salloway Property Consultants, with commercial property agency Innes England acting on behalf of the University.
The four-storey building, former headquarters of Lonsdale Travel, will provide 16,679 square feet of office accommodation near to other business-related properties owned by the University; namely its Enterprise Centre, and business incubation centres at Banks Mill and Network House. It is also adjacent to Derby Cityscape's St Helen's Street/King Street regeneration area.
Ian Willgoose, Director of Estates for the University of Derby, explained: "Lonsdale House is a good fit with our other properties in the area aimed at developing and investing in business in the city.
"We are finalising our plans for the building's uses but it is well suited to a number of our activities, including the opportunity to expand the commercial work we already do with local companies or increase the range of spaces we provide for start-up businesses looking to rent at reasonable rates."
Martin Langsdale, Chartered Surveyor at Raybould & Sons of Derby, said: "Having been appointed as joint sole agent with Marc Ballard at Salloway Property Consultants, I am delighted to have secured the sale to the University of Derby. It not only provides it with the quality space it requires but also illustrates that, despite the current economic climate, there are significant property deals to be done in the city."
Marc Ballard, of Salloway Property Consultants, added: "This is a highly satisfying deal. It was good to work with the University of Derby."
Tim Garratt, Director at Innes England, said: "This building is in an area where the University is looking at all opportunities. We were able to secure a good deal in the current market, which will be a long-term strategic hold for my clients."
For more media information please contact Press & PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email
s.kirby@derby.ac.uk
