As the New Year commences, Henry Boot Developments takes a look back at 2015 and the achievements of Markham Vale; their joint venture with Derbyshire County Council.

The Markham development has had a huge amount of success throughout 2015, securing six deals totalling 686,412 sq ft of space. Occupiers include Great Bear, AW Repairs Group, Meter Provida, Gould Alloys, inspirepac and KFC. All of which have successfully agreed deals to locate to Markham Vale, representing a significant amount of confidence in the 200 acre flagship industrial site.

In April, Henry Boot Developments announced deals with AW Repair Group, taking occupation of a 15,000 sq.ft unit at Waterloo Court, and Great Bear Distribution. Great Bear agreed a record deal for just under 480,000 sq.ft of logistics space at Markham Vale East. The investment was sold to M&G Real Estate for £36 million with Henry Boot Developments being retained as the Development Manager. Construction of the unit has now commenced and is due to be completed during summer 2016.

May saw the construction of a 40,000 sq.ft unit commence for Meter Provida, the UK’s leading multi utility metering specialist, over a 2.2 acre plot at Markham Vale West. The company signed a 15 year lease and expanded their operations to the unit on its completion in November.

Inspirepac, part of the Smurfit Kappa Group, agreed a 20 year lease on the 100,250 sq.ft unit, located on the Markham Vale West site, making it the company’s sixth facility in the UK. The high quality, bespoke unit completed development in June 2015 and has been designed to inspirepac’s detailed specification, to ensure it delivers an efficient manufacturing process.

Gould Alloys acquired a 50,000 sq.ft unit at the Markham Vale East, with a fit out including 7,000 sq.ft of bespoke office accommodation. The Chesterfield- based company expanded into its new unit last summer. Gould Alloys agreed a 20 year lease, demonstrating their commitment to their partnership with Markham Vale.

Ben Ward, Director at Henry Boot Developments, commented:

“The deals that have been announced in 2015 really demonstrate the success that Markham Vale has achieved, and the wealth of interest in the site. The development continues to show significant progression with further occupation of plots. Following completion of development of the East section, we have now started development at Markham Vale North, with up to 750,000 sq.ft available for occupation during 2016. We’re sure that recent success stories will encourage further interest and investment at Markham Vale and the outlook is extremely positive.”

Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, Councillor Anne Western, said: “It’s been another great year for Markham. We’ve continued to invest in the site with the aim of creating more jobs and improving the Derbyshire economy.

We’re currently negotiating with Government on a devolution deal with the hope that this will give us more money to invest in major projects, develop skills and boost employment.

“We look forward to the new year ahead and welcoming even more businesses to the site including our biggest deal to date with Great Bear Distribution which is set to open in July and create up to 400 new jobs.”