Dutch consortium Subinvest’s Express Park in Bridgwater, Somerset, near the M5, is thought to have beaten off stiff competition to win the NHS’ South-West requirement for a 12,540 sq m (135,000 sq ft) distribution centre.
Speculation is mounting that the 40ha (99-acre) business park has been chosen by NHS-nominated contractor Excel ahead of Burford’s Cabot Park and Redrow’s Western Approach, both distribution sites in Avonmouth.
The success of the Bridgwater scheme will surprise local agents, who had tipped Cabot Park as the clear favourite at the beginning of the year.
Express Park agents Alder King and Lambert Smith Hampton would not confirm Excel’s decision, but Geoff Revel of Alder King’s Taunton office said that Bridgwater had been recently winning distribution contracts from the Avonmouth side of the M5. “We’re winning because our labour costs are much lower,” said Revel.
The NHS building will comprise around 15% of offices, and will provide NHS supplies for Gloucester, the south coast and Devon.
Express Park was bought by Subinvest three years ago for around £10m. The NHS deal will be the park’s second prelet after Chickmaster signed earlier this year for 1,254 sq m (35,000 sq ft).
EGi News 29/05/01
