ONdigital – a joint venture between television companies Carlton and Granada – is targeting Brighton and Plymouth for its 14,864 sq m (140,000 sq ft) call centre requirement.
It is looking to fulfill its search in two phases – of 7,432 sq m (80,000 sq ft) followed by 5,574 sq m (60,000 sq ft). The centre needs to be up and running by the end of next year.
ONdigital is thought to be looking for the space for its proposed mail order and home shopping service which will support the digital television network. However, Paul Stoodley of Weatherall Green & Smith, which is understood to be advising ONdigital, would not comment.
At Millbay in Plymouth, Ondigital has sublet some 1,161 sq m (12,500 sq ft) from British Telecom for a short-term start-up operation but, due to a lack of available standing accommodation in Plymouth, has now widened its search to Brighton.
It is believed to have approached Plymouth city council about 3.64ha (9 acres) site at Bickley Down, to the north of the city. It is also understood to have looked at the former MOD land at Seaton Barracks and South West Water’s development site at Plymouth Business Park.
According to Brighton agents, the 14,864 sq m (160,000 sq ft) Alliance House, which is being offered freehold by the Alliance & Leicester, is the only available accommodation which could hold a requirement of that size. However, sole letting agent Harold Stiles Williams confirmed that the building was still up for sale with a £7.5m price tag.
ONdigital’s requirement will depend on the success of the digital television medium, which is launched in the UK next week.
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EGi News 24/09/98
