The latest deals done in Derby

The arrival of a utility and infrastructure services firm to a 10,000 sq ft office building heads the list of deals done in Derby over the past few weeks.

Network Plus, whose clients include the UK’s major providers of gas, power, telecoms, transport, water and waste water, has relocated to Brunel House within RTC Business Park, Derby.

The offices, which are owned by London & Continental Railways, offer modern open plan accommodation and benefit from the on-site facilities within the business park, which include a refurbished campus, restaurant/catering facility and a variety of conference rooms.

Darran Severn, director at FHP Property Consultants, which secured the deal, said: “Pleasingly, there has been good activity within the office sector across Derby this year, and this is one of a number of office lettings over 10,000 sq ft.

“As a result, there is a limited availability of space particularly over 5,000 sq ft.

“We are continuing to see businesses relocate to better quality office space that can boost creativity, collaboration and employee wellbeing.”

Steve Squire, executive director at Network Plus, said: “Choosing the right location was the first step.

“We sought an address that was not simply a place to work, but one that suited the needs of our staff.

“The search took us through numerous neighbourhoods, each with their own unique characteristics.

“Eventually, we found a building that resonated with our needs and had the additional facilities to make the workplace an enjoyable and comfortable experience.”

FHP, alongside Innes England, were also responsible for another major office deal – this time involving global technology firm Concentrix Corporation, which has taken more than 6,000 sq ft at Cardinal Square, a landmark office scheme owned by Nurton Developments.

The newly leased space has undergone a significant fit-out to create a modern and accessible working environment for Concentrix’ Derby team.

Luke Torr, the firm’s associate director for UK region real estate, said: “The central Derby location was key to our decision.

“Cardinal Square not only allows us to maintain our roots, but also provides a high-quality, modern workspace that embraces an inspiring workplace culture.

“By choosing Cardinal Square, we were able to continue to anchor our presence in Derby, offering seamless access to excellent local amenities that enhance employee lifestyle.”

FHP’s Darran Severn said: “There is a definite drive from occupiers seeking better quality office space across the city of Derby.

“Within the last nine months we have let over 13,000 sq ft within Cardinal Square to local Derby businesses and we have a further 2,271 sq ft currently under offer, with space for further companies looking for room to grow.”

Elsewhere, a new deli and wine bar is set to open in Mickleover in a building which was purchased earlier this year by MHL Commercial, with the help of agents BB&J Commercial.

Brooks Deli and Wine Bar will be located on the ground floor of the former Finewood Studios furniture shop, in Station Road.

It will be the business’s second site after opening its first outlet in Ockbrook two years ago. The letting was secured by Omeeto.

MHL Commercial is sensitively refurbishing the site with a vision to create a thriving hub for the community – which includes some serviced offices, a Pilates studio and an estate agency.

Lyndsey Morgan, from Brooks Deli and Wine Bar, said: “The building in Mickleover is a great location and we are very excited to be opening soon.

“The feedback we are receiving from people has been extremely positive and we really can’t wait to showcase the new site.”

Finally, staying on the food theme, Greggs has taken space at a Derby business park created by Ivygrove Developments.

The food-on-the-go retailer has signed a lease for Unit 21 at Merlin Park, in Osmaston Road, which will cater for both local residents and the growing number of workers and commuters in the area.

Merlin Park is a well-established mixed-use development offering high-quality industrial, retail and trade counter space.

The deal was brokered by William Speed, of Salloway Property Consultants.

He said: “We’re delighted to have facilitated this letting to Greggs. Their presence will significantly enhance the tenant mix at Merlin Park and is a clear indicator of the estate’s strength as a commercial destination in Derby.

“We still have the adjacent Unit 20 Merlin Park on the market, which will undoubtedly be very popular now.”