SURREY’S MOST SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS PARK WILL PROVIDE NEARLY 500 JOBS

The continuing development of Henley Business Park near Guildford, Surrey could provide employment for nearly 500 people following the opening of a new depot and recent construction work.

Completed buildings on the St. Modwen site, extending to approximately 160,000 sq ft provide opportunities for up to 267 jobs. Plans to build on another 120,000 sq ft, including two units currently under construction, could lead to 198 additional jobs being created.

The latest business to open on site is Meridian Metal, the UK’s largest independent steel stockholder which is now operational.    

Meridian Metal supplies steel to manufacturers in a range of industries including heating and ventilation and retail display equipment.  The company, which also has depots in Dudley and Sheffield, has relocated its southern base to Guildford from Sunbury. 

The 41,000 sq ft depot was handed over in September and sits on the second phase of the highly successful Park. St. Modwen, the UK’s leading regeneration specialist, was given planning permission for the third and final phase in November with construction now underway to provide two new buildings which will be ready for occupation in the summer. These buildings will provide units of 20,000 and 34,000 sq ft, which can be divided into smaller units from 12,400 sq ft.

At 20 acres, Henley Business Park is the largest industrial regeneration project in West Surrey.  It was established during World War II as an armaments factory by Vokes Ltd and the company maintained a presence there until the site was acquired by St. Modwen in 2002.

The first phase of regeneration comprised 100,000 sq ft of commercial floor space on expansion land adjoining the old factory.  In 2011 the old factory was demolished to enable phase two, which comprises a further employment space including a £3million building for ALS Petrophysics and the new Meridian Metal depot.

Nick Kay, Development Director at St. Modwen, said: “The development of Henley Business Park, its success to date and future potential is something of which we are very proud. We have enormous confidence in the Park and we are certain that the two new units that are now being built will attract occupiers quickly “

Leasing agents for Henley Business Park are David Bowen, Vail Williams (tel: 01276 537491) and Tim Clement, JLL (tel: 020 7087 5303).