Over 80% of units in phase one of Beauchamp Business Park, a new commercial development in Kibworth, Leicestershire, have now been sold or are under offer, just two months after being made available for enquiries.

Beauchamp Business Park is being brought forward by Clowes Developments and its team including IMA Architects, TanRo, Millward Consulting Engineers, Gateley’s Legal and Postins Project Services. Philips Sutton and TDBRE have been instructed as agents on the scheme.

The level of take up at Beauchamp Business Park demonstrates the strength of demand from local companies wanting to grow their business within Leicestershire and companies from outside of the region choosing to make Leicestershire their new home.

By working in partnership with Investment Manager, Oliver Whittaker at Invest in Leicester, Clowes Developments has formed a strategic partnership that is committed to enhancing the local economy by attracting new companies, creating employment opportunities and promoting future growth. This collaboration will benefit the local economy and boost job creation in the local area.

In October, Units A and B were purchased by a Leicester based family of investors, and now terms have been agreed on the majority of remaining units.

Mike Denby, Director of Inward Investment at Invest in Leicester, says: “Leicester and Leicestershire presents an exceptional location for businesses seeking expansion, as evidenced by the popularity and quality of businesses at Beauchamp Business Park.

“By collaborating with companies like Clowes Developments and its partners, we can provide the infrastructure that supports ambitious businesses, fuelling growth within our region.” 

Paul Turner, Construction Director at Clowes Developments, says: “The level of demand we have seen for the site has been phenomenal which shows the strength of the real estate market in Leicestershire currently. We are proud to be delivering another scheme that will benefit the East Midlands economy and boost job creation in the local area.”

Ben Hall, Director at IMA Architects, adds: “We have been involved in the creation of Beauchamp Business Park from the start and have been able to create units that will be perfect for a range of industrial uses. It is fantastic to see the popularity of the site and I am sure it will be an asset to the local economy for years to come.”

Construction is underway at the site with Phase One completion expected in April 2024. Phase Two is currently being marketed on a leasehold and freehold basis. When complete, the site will feature a series of freehold and leasehold industrial units ranging from 1,270 sq ft to 10,085 sq ft.

Citra Living, the rental housing owner and operator that is part of Lloyds Banking Group, has acquired 63 homes from national housebuilder Keepmoat at its Waterside scheme in Leicester, marking the next step in their partnership. A new neighbourhood at the gateway to Leicester city centre, Waterside forms part of the wider regeneration of the city’s waterways that is unlocking underused brownfield land along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal. It will see formerly neglected industrial buildings transformed into a new neighbourhood of 300-homes. It also benefits from its proximity to a range of schools, supermarkets, and green spaces such as Abbey Park and Castle Park, as well as over 50 restaurants within a 15-minute walk. The properties Citra has acquired include eight apartments and 55 houses, from one to four-bedrooms, designed to suit a range of residents from growing families to commuters and empty-nesters who want to be close to the city centre. Seven properties have already been handed over to Citra, with a further 56 due to be completed by August 2024. JLL will provide property management services for these new homes. Sustainability is at the heart of the development, with smart technology used throughout to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. In line with this, 95% of the homes that Citra has acquired will have an EPC environmental rating of ‘B’. The wider Waterside regeneration project also includes plans for flood protection measures, enhancements to biodiversity and improved access to the canal and river. The partnership between Citra and Keepmoat was announced earlier this year, with the aim of increasing the supply of high-quality rental housing across the UK by building Citra’s portfolio of purpose-built rental properties. This latest acquisition follows the partnership’s exchange of almost 50 homes at Gedling, Nottingham in August. Andy Hutchinson, Managing Director of Citra Living, said: “The unused brownfield site at Leicester’s waterside has so much potential and, thanks to the ongoing investment from the Council and others, it is set to become a vibrant new neighbourhood that will benefit the community for generations to come. “That’s what made it the perfect fit for Citra, as we continue to offer rental options where people want to live long-term, close to employment hubs and amenities. “Like many other UK cities, Leicester has a striking shortage of homes available for rent, so, we’re pleased to be able to support Keepmoat in replacing unused land with high-quality, sustainable homes.” Tristin Willis, Regional Managing Director at Keepmoat, East Midlands added: “Partnering with Citra to progress the development of the disused brownfield land at Waterside is a huge success for the area and is also paramount to Keepmoat’s commitment to creating sustainable communities. “We’re extremely proud of our partnership model that allows us to work across local authorities, partners and housing associations to deliver much needed sustainable, new homes.”

An important milestone has been reached in the creation of Derby’s new state-of the-art Football Hub. Contractors Universal Civils and Build have reached the topping out stage of the build at Derby Racecourse, which signifies the completion of the roof on the building. This new sports building will regenerate football, providing sustainable facilities for all-year use, ensuring a long term future for grassroots football. This project has secured collaborative funding from Derby City Council, the Premier League, The FA, and the Football Foundation. Upon its completion, the facilities will be under the management of the National Football Trust on behalf of Derby City Council, with day-to-day operations overseen by Leisure United. The new facilities will include three new full-size 3G football turf pitches (FTPs), as well as refurbishment of the existing FTP, a new community building with a community café, reception area, and meeting spaces have been extended onto the existing Football Foundation funded changing room pavilion. In addition to the enhanced pitch provision, the Hub development will include increased parking spaces, improved entry and exit to the site along with improved foot and cycle paths through the park. In March 2023, Universal Civils and Build commenced construction of the Football and Community Hub after being appointed to the project by the Council’s leisure development partner Alliance Leisure. The announcement of the topping stage completion is a significant achievement in finalising the external structure and roof of the community building. In parallel, TigerTurf, the appointed contractor for the 3G football turf pitches, has confirmed that their work is proceeding as planned. The project remains on schedule and will officially open its doors to the community in early 2024. As planned, the site’s grass pitches have been back in use since early September, meaning football players have been able to return to the Racecourse for their local league matches. Councillor Hardyal Dhindsa, Derby City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Streetpride, said: “Reaching the topping phase of the development of the Derby Racecourse Hub is a real milestone, and we’re now well on the way to seeing the completion in early 2024. “This development will offer a remarkable state-of-the-art building and pitches for grassroots football in Derby, but it extends beyond football; it will also create inviting community spaces where residents can come together and enjoy Racecourse Park.” Commenting on construction progress, Will Gardner, Business Development Manager, representing Alliance Leisure, said: “With construction works progressing on time we are really pleased with how the development is coming along. The assembled team have come together to work collaboratively on the Hub and it’s been great to see the progress being made.” Martin Glenn, Chair of the Football Foundation, said: “The new facilities here at the Racecourse will not only provide a boost to sport in Derby, but also a space for the local community to come together. “Thanks to the investment we receive from our funding partners, the Premier League, The FA and Government, the Football Foundation is working to deliver more Hubs like this across the country so that everyone can have access to great places to play.”