HIGHCROSS’ WHITTLE ESTATE IN WHETSTONE, LECISESTERSHIRE REALLY TAKES OFF

12th April 2011

Highcross’ Whittle Estate, in Whetstone Leicestershire has undergone a period of tremendous success in the last 12 months, securing a number of high profile occupiers.

Joe Curlett, Senior Asset Manager at Highcross comments: “Fashion and footwear retailer, Dune Group, have recently stepped into the estate and taken 43,000 sq ft for storage and dispatch for its ecommerce business. Following this most recent letting, the Whittle Estate is now 97% occupied, demonstrating the strength of its location, facilities and the flexible, affordable space available.

In contrast to this conventional letting, Leicestershire private bus company, Beaver Bus, has now completed the development of a new MOT testing facility for commercial vehicles after purchasing land at the estate for their own development. The new 4,000 sq ft facility includes a test bay, two-bay workshop for repairs and an office suite. Beaver Bus is among the first companies in Leicestershire to qualify as one of the new Authorised Testing Facilities by VOSPA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency). They have developed an impressive new facility, which also provides a useful resource for the wide range of industrial and distribution companies located at the estate. This latest development highlights the Whittle Estate’s potential for Companies seeking land for design and build of new commercial premises, as well as opportunities for temporary or long-term storage facilities.

Amongst other recent additions, we have also let 20,000 sq ft of warehouse accommodation to a major utility company and a further 15,000 sq ft of warehousing to point of sales business, Mint Manufacturing. These lettings, coupled with some fairly significant estate improvement works have added to the estate’s vibrant community feel, which is quite refreshing at a time when a lot of business estates are struggling to retain occupiers.

Whittle Estate includes 668,000 sq ft of industrial and office accommodation, as well as development plots ranging from 1.8 to 3 acres. Located five miles from central Leicester, the estate has 24-hour manned security, an on-site estate manager, CCTV, a well regarded café and meeting room facilities”.