Eight months after breaking ground at Clowes Developments-owned Etiquette Park in Ilkeston, lead construction contractor TanRo has handed over the completed units to occupiers Catering24 and WELEDA.
Construction of both units, totalling circa 50,000 sq ft, began in December 2021. Despite a host of challenges faced by the industry, namely supply and demand of materials and a shortage of skilled labour, TanRo has delivered the bespoke units for Clowes Developments’ clients on time and according to programme, just eight months on.
On Monday 25th July, practical completion of Unit A was certified. Unit A is a 27,349 sq ft industrial unit which sits on the left-hand side of the business park. Family business owners, Charlie, Steve and Oliver were onsite to mark the occasion and commented: “This is an exciting new chapter for Catering24. Our growth over recent years has led us to this point but it’s been 30+years in the making. We are looking forward to having our own set of keys and start making the brand new, pristine unit feel like home for our staff.”
The deal marks significant expansion for the food packaging distributor who have doubled their turnover in the past two years. Catering24 has the option to purchase the property within the first 2 years. Assuming the option is triggered this will represent a total investment in the warehouse, equipment, racking and IT software to the sum of £2.8m.
Charlie Dean, Managing Director at Catering24, added: “My daughter has been tracking the progress of the build since January, we have been driving her down to have a sneak peek at the unit which she has loved. I cannot wait to bring her back and show her around. This really is a special moment for us as a local family business.”
Sustainable health and beauty pioneer WELEDA will also be moving into Unit B at Etiquette Park which comprises of a warehouse and office facility totalling 24,207 sq ft. The modern facility sits adjacent to Catering24’s unit on the right-hand side as you enter the site. The company’s Customer Care and Warehousing teams are expected to migrate over to the brand-new facility from WELEDA’s manufacturing site at Ilkeston within the next few months, allowing additional breathing space at the Heanor Road headquarters for the expanding business.
WELEDA’s supply chain & warehouse manager, Robert Wood, said: “We are really delighted that our move date is now in sight, and cannot wait to settle our team into their new offices and warehouse facility. The expansion will not only enable us to recalibrate systems and streamline our business, but the exciting new space will undoubtedly inspire and motivate our team as it will provide improved working conditions. A great new springboard for the business!”
Having completed the construction of Etiquette Park, lead contractor, TanRo, will have a short period of time to complete any snagging list items identified during the final inspection prior to practical completion sign off. Within a matter of weeks, the construction team will depart from the site and get ready to go again at the next Clowes project, Fairham Business Park.
Fairham Business Park (FBP) is being brought forward as part of the wider masterplan for the £800m Fairham development, south of Clifton in Nottingham. The brand-new neighbourhood is being delivered by a joint venture between Clowes Developments and Homes England, the government’s housing accelerator.
Outline planning permission is in place for one million square feet of commercial space within the 50-acre Fairham Business Park. TanRo have recently been announced as the lead construction contractor and are getting ready to settle into life on site at Fairham.