Acting for Cardzone, Tom Wragg has agreed terms to renew their lease in this popular neighbourhood retail parade just a few miles from Derby City Centre.

Tom Wragg, Associate Director at FHP commented:

“Cardzone are a well-loved family owned brand and a longstanding client of FHP, so I am pleased to have been able to negotiate terms for them to continue in this location.  Rents in Chaddesden have remained pretty solid with limited vacancy and it remains a sought after location however, we were able to negotiate renewal terms that included a rent free incentive”.

If you require advice with lease renewals or rent reviews, whether you are a landlord or tenant, please contact Tom Wragg via email on tom@fhp.co.uk or by phone on 07970 168 138.

A brand new experiential photography studio will open to customers in Beeston in Nottinghamshire this month, bringing something different to the thriving town centre.

Venture Studios, which has 20 locations throughout the UK, will open its doors in Station Road, Beeston in early March following a deal secured by commercial property agents FHP.

Chris Barber, director at Venture Studios Midlands, said: “We have been searching for a location in Nottingham for some time but had been struggling to find something that was the right fit but the unit in Beeston really fits the bill.

Venture Studios offers a completely personalised photoshoot plus a cinematic viewing gallery once the photographs are ready. Customers receive a full bespoke experience, rather than just a quick photoshoot, so what we offer is very different to anything in the location at the moment.  All our clients receive a beautiful piece of framed art that they can really treasure – as well as the lovely memories captured.

“Our range of photoshoots really do have something for everyone, whether that be a couple looking to celebrate a special milestone, a beautiful newborn shoot or a much-loved pet experience – we’ve had everything from dogs, cats to horses in our studios before!”

The new studio will be located at Units 1 and 2, Tesco Extra in Station Road, Beeston and will be open from 3^rd March.  It will offer a range of different products and photoshoot packages including family, maternity and baby, pets or couples and individuals.

The deal was overseen by Oliver Marshall at FHP who represented the landlord.  He added: “Beeston is a really up and coming part of Nottinghamshire which has seen significant investment in recent years, so it’s an exciting place for Venture to set up their Nottingham studio.

The unit has been vacant for some time, despite its prime position, but it lends itself perfectly to what the team at Venture will bring to the town.  It’s got great visibility within Beeston but also is situated right next to the tram stop, meaning it’s really easily accessible from Nottingham city centre too.”

Venture Studios was launched in 1998 and has studios in some 17 UK cities as well as locations in Hong Kong and the USA.  The company has photographed some 750,000 families and created more than four million pieces of framed art of customers since it was founded.

For more information about Venture Studios or to make a booking please visit the website:

https://www.venturephotography.com/, email nottingham@venturephotography.co.uk or call 01926 426677.

Press release written by Cartwright Communications www.cartwrightcommunications.com on behalf of Venture Studios.

“Recycled fashion” retailer White Rose, which was set up by two Nottingham Trent University students in 2009, has opened another new store in the city – its eighth in total.

The charitable fashion brand has opened the new shop on the upper mall of the Victoria Centre, with the aim of reducing fast fashion’s impact on the environment and minimising waste, shoppers will find a range of second-hand men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and footwear.

Its offering of pre-loved items also features a mix of premium and high-street brands, including the likes of Ralph Lauren, Miss Selfridge, Adidas and Zara, among others.

Alan Pearson, Director of FHP Property Consultants, commented: “I’m delighted to see White Rose open at the Victoria Centre.  I let them their first store in Goose Gate, Nottingham in 2009 and it’s great to see their business grow from this small first store and open their 15^th store in the prime retail destination of Victoria Centre.”

Nigel Wheatley, Centre Director at Victoria Centre, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome White Rose to the centre; a charitable fashion brand, founded here in Nottingham, making a real difference not only to the industry, but also our local community.

“Since the first store opening back in 2009, we’ve seen the positive impact White Rose has had in encouraging the uptake of pre-loved clothing and the reduction of waste.”

Lee Reynolds, General Manager at White Rose, added: “We are delighted to be able to bring White Rose in to the Victoria Centre.  The centre has so much history within Nottingham and we can’t wait to be a part of that.  The new flagship store will give Victoria Centre’s shoppers the opportunity to buy excellent second-hand fashion for a great cause.  As we will be selling menswear and womenswear, we hope we are able to open up affordable, sustainable fashion to everyone.”

Acting on behalf of Panther Securities, FHP are pleased to have brought national discount chain, One Below, to part of the former Beales Department store in Mansfield, which closed in 2019.

This follows on from the successful freehold sale of the larger part of the former department store, and the letting to One Below comprised approximately 23,000 sq ft of sales space over two floors.

The unit forms part of the Four Seasons Shopping Centre and was held long leasehold by the client.  It occupies a prominent position within the Four Seasons Shopping Centre adjacent to the West Street entrance, so we are particularly pleased to have secured such a footfall driver to this unit.

Three of Derbion’s jewellery stores will offer customers an improved shopping experience this year, as Beaverbrooks, Goldsmiths and Ernest Jones have all announced plans for renovation to accommodate a wider selection of luxury brands.

Beaverbrooks, is set for a full store refurbishment and upsize, including a brand new standalone TAG Heuer watch store, as well as an extended range of luxury brands such as Gucci, Longines, Michael Kors and Links of London.  The works will start next month and will continue until their reopening in Spring 2023.

Located on Level 1, leading jeweller Goldsmiths is set to invest in its store, increasing its footprint by 1000 sq ft later this year, with work on the unit expected to start in May.  The brand new store experience will give customers a new design to discover and the chance to shop a wider range of leading brands including Tag, Tudor, Tissot, Jenny Packham and Mappin & Webb.

Elsewhere, Ernest Jones is also investing further in its Derbion store with a new refreshed store design and a host of new brands. The revamp is set to be completed in the spring, with plenty of brands to browse from including new stores for Breitling, Omega and Tudor.

Alan Pearson, Director at FHP Property Consultants, commented: “We’re delighted to announce the upsizes of both Beaverbrooks and Goldsmiths alongside the refresh of Ernest Jones.  The investment from Beaverbrooks to bring a TAG Heuer Boutique to Derby is testament to the leading destination we are creating and adds to the number of retailers who have invested in new stores and upsizes at Derbion in the last two years.”

Beth McDonald, commercial director at Derbion, commented: “After a hugely successful year for Derbion in 2022, we’re thrilled to see more of our existing brands continuing to invest in their stores at Derbion.

“We’re excited to kick start the new year with significant investment across the jewellery category at the centre, following a string of successful arrivals last year including H&M, River Studios and the significant NEXT refurbishment”.

The unveiling of a mural in Ipswich’s premier shopping mall has coincided with newly released figures that show shoppers are flooding back to the once struggling centre.

Footfall analysis at Sailmakers Shopping Centre has revealed a transformation in fortunes since it was purchased by new owner ALB Group last summer.

More than half a million people visited the shopping centre during December, which represents a 54 per cent increase on the previous year’s figure of 331,692. And figures for the whole of last year indicate a massive 66 per cent jump in visitor numbers compared with 2021.

The shift follows a decision by Nottingham property group ALB to carry out renovations to vacant units in the mall and offer lease contracts with more flexible terms to help entice new tenants on board.

A wealth of new businesses have flocked to take up units within the centre as a result, including Harry’s Handcrafted Doughnuts, health and beauty brand Bodycare, health food shop The Vitamin Bar, fashion brand Leading Labels, beauty salon Brows on Fleek and phone retailer Mi Mobile.

ALB also commissioned Birmingham-based artist Joe Miles to paint an enormous mural that captures the essence of Ipswich. The artwork, completed in two overnight sessions while the centre was closed, includes references to iconic connections like Orwell Bridge, the Willis Building, Ipswich Town FC, Ipswich Harbour and Ipswich Rugby Club, whose youth and junior teams are sponsored by ALB Group.

Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said: “The artwork by Joe is amazing. It’s a masterpiece. It precisely encapsulates the new lease of life that we have been trying to breathe into Sailmakers Shopping Centre since we took it over last year.

“The visitor analytics are also extremely encouraging and demonstrate that our approach here is working and has the support of shoppers and businesses alike.

“No doubt Covid and other factors played a major part in the previously declining numbers, but the analysis also shows that we are improving faster than the national average. 

“We’ve approached the key challenges faced by the UK’s high streets head on – and it is clearly bearing fruit.”

While Sailmakers recorded a 54 per cent uplift in December 2022, the national average for shopping centres compared with December 2021 was an increase of just 12.1 per cent. Meanwhile, the 66 per year-on-year increase at Sailmakers compares with just 30.2 per cent UK-wide.

The arrival of new tenants since ALB’s stewardship means the entire ground floor of Sailmakers is now fully occupied, leaving only three vacant units on the upper floors.

Oliver Marshall, Director of property agent FHP, which has been jointly marketing the Sailmakers units for ALB, said: “It’s been a real success story since ALB took the helm of Sailmakers. 

“The really strong December footfall figures have led to further lettings, and the combination of all these other positive factors has generated a healthy influx of both businesses and consumers. 

“It’s great news for Ipswich and shows the rest of the UK what can be achieved with the right approach.”

Sailmakers, which links Tower Ramparts Bus Station and Tavern Street, is one of a number of prime retail properties across the UK that ALB Group has acquired in recent years.

To find out more about the remaining available units at Sailmakers shopping centre, contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk.

Press release written by www.poppy-pr.co.uk

A cutting-edge men’s grooming salon that has branches across the world is moving into one of the last remaining vacant stores in Nottingham’s revitalised Bridlesmith Gate

MENSPIRE has agreed terms to open its latest establishment at 37 Bridlesmith Gate in the next few weeks.

The rapidly expanding high-end brand, which offers its customers individually tailored hair consultations and bespoke styling, has more than 20 branches in locations including Amsterdam, Dublin, Budapest, Watford, Aberdeen, Naples and Portland, Oregon, in the US.

MENSPIRE director Seamus O’Keeffe, who already runs the firm’s salon in Anstey, Leicester, chose to expand into the new 353ft² Nottingham premises after falling in love with the ‘buzz’ of Bridlesmith Gate.

The deal, struck with the aid of commercial estate agent FHP, follows a move by Nottingham based landlord ALB Group to snap up properties in the street in an effort to give it a new lease of life after many shops had gone out of business.

ALB managing director Arran Bailey spearheaded the purchase of 11 retail buildings there and, by introducing cheaper and more flexible rent agreements, set out on a mission to give Bridlesmith Gate a cooler vibe, similar to London’s Carnaby Street.

With the arrival of MENSPIRE, only one of the original vacant units, formerly occupied by shoe store Office and, later, by fitness store Realbuzz, remains to be filled.

Arran said: “The dream to revitalise this area of my hometown with independent, specialist and high-quality businesses has been coming together nicely over the past year or so.

“To add an amazing, international brand like MENSPIRE to the list really is icing on the cake. It’s a real coup for Nottingham.”

Seamus (26), who will be bringing four or five top men’s stylists with him to Nottingham, counts a number of Premier League footballers among his list of regular clients.

He said the world of men’s hairdressing had changed “one hundred per cent”, even in the seven years that he had been doing the job.

“There’s a lot more individuality now,” he said. “People are much more open to having something that genuinely suits them, rather than just following the crowd. 

“Focusing as we do on precision barbering with diverse creativity and tailor-made client consultations to find out exactly what they want, we are confident we will go down well in Nottingham. And we just love the new buzz in Bridlesmith Gate.”   

Seamus ran his own hairdressing business in Leicester before joining the MENSPIRE team in 2020, though he has also worked as an educator at MENSPIRE’s hairdressing academies across the world for a number of years.

He said his ambition was to open a new MENSPIRE Academy in the East Midlands, potentially in Nottingham.

Oliver Marshall, Director of Nottingham property agent FHP, said: “It’s great to see a retailer with such a strong, international brand take one of the last Bridlesmith Gate units.  It’s a real reflection on the refreshing vision that Arran Bailey has brought to the city.”

Other retailers that have taken properties in Bridlesmith Gate under ALB Group’s custodianship include ladieswear boutique Stick & Ribbon, independent estate agent Pygott & Crone, craft coffee shop Barista Lab, fashion store 18Montrose and Sneakrverse.

ALB also commissioned a group of artists last year to complete a number of brightly coloured murals on some of the street’s buildings to improve the vibrancy of the area.

If you are interested in finding out more about the last remaining retail unit in Bridlesmith Gate, contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk.

Press release written by Poppy PR www.poppy-pr.co.uk

FHP were pleased to let a 2,500 sq ft ground floor premises within the Emporium Building to Housing Investor Empiric Student Property Plc.

Empiric, who have taken the new 10 year lease on the premises, own and operate the student accommodation above, having forward funded the deal and are adopting the space as their own offices and student services facility.

FHP were pleased to act on behalf of the private investor in this transaction.

FHP are pleased to confirm the letting of 11 The Poultry in the city centre to growing and popular sustainable fashion brand Lucy & Yak.  This is the vibrant brand’s fourth physical store after starting the business back in 2014, with the first shop in Brighton opening in 2019.

11 The Poultry was most recently known as the JoJo Maman Bebe store who decided to vacate following their lease expiry.  Acting on behalf of the private landlord, FHP are pleased to confirm a swift letting agreed to Lucy & Yak who have taken the store on a long term basis which provides accommodation across ground and basement measuring a total of 2,147ft².

Oliver Marshall, Director at FHP Property Consultants, comments:-

“This is a great result for Nottingham.  Lucy & Yak have got a huge following which continues to grow and for them to choose Nottingham as the latest destination for their next store is testament to the city.  This bright and colourful brand have already made a real statement with their shop fitting works underway including a bright pink shop front you cannot miss.  It is exciting to see new and upcoming retailers taking space and choosing Nottingham for their ongoing growth plans.”

Chris Renwick, Co-founder of Lucy & Yak said:-

“We can’t wait to be open in Nottingham this month after carrying out shop fitting works to the unit.  The city is full of arts, cultural and history.  This will extend our physical store presence to the East Midlands where we can reach even more of our community and continue building our Re:Yaks network.  The shop is in a fantastic position close to good quality operators with good footfall throughout the day.”

Lucy & Yak are all set for an opening on Saturday 18^th February. For more details visit: www.lucyandyak.com

For more details on this letting or other available units across Nottingham and the East Midlands, please get in touch with Oliver Marshall at oliver@fhp.co.uk or 07887 787885.

FHP are very pleased to have concluded a new letting to Poundland in the centre of Bloxwich.

This particular deal involved the surrender of the previous flexible lease to Poundstretcher and the grant of a new 5 year term to Poundland who were keen to gain representation in the Town.  Securing a long term commitment and investment into the building from a quality, national retailer was a great result for the Landlord, and represented another sought after location ticked off for the Tenant.

Poundland continue with their roll out across new markets regionally and nationally and have a requirement for both large and small formats.

FHP were pleased to advise the Landlord on this occasion, and we are looking forward to re-visiting upon opening of the new store.

FHP are delighted to have let the 169 Knightlow Road in Harborne to Little Own Tuition Limited on a new 5 year term.

FHP are involved in leasing across a wide geographical area and pride ourselves on being able to adapt our advice within many different markets.

Suburban parades, particularly in affluent locations are particularly sought after and we are delighted to have secured an 80% rent increase compared to that previously received by our Landlord client.

We wish the occupier the very best with their latest venture and would like to thank our private client for this valued instruction.

FHP are delighted to confirm their third letting in Leamington Spa in quick succession, with the letting of 102 The Parade to international dessert brand, Heavenly Desserts.

The business, which operates over 50 sites across the UK and Canada are famed for their beautiful shop fits and incredible products, and we wish the franchisee the best of success.

The letting was part of a wider redevelopment of the building, having repurposed the upper floors for a residential conversion.

Leamington Spa continues to buck the regional trend, continuing to attract quality occupiers and maintain a low vacancy rate. This is testament to a number of factors, namely the beauty of the architecture, the affluent and growing population, the quality mix of national and independent retail and F&B occupiers and the clean, safe and welcoming shopping environment Leamington Spa prides itself on.

Acting on behalf of private clients, Liam Ash of FHP Property Consultants is pleased to announce the letting of Unit 6 The Royal Buildings on Victoria Street to The Souvlaki.  The Becketwell regeneration scheme is situated opposite on Victoria Street.  Victoria Street is adjacent to St Peters Street, which is Derby’s main retail thoroughfare and is anchored by many independent and national retailers, with a mix of food and beverage operators including a new Boo Burger which is set to open soon.

The property provides 1,251ft² of retail space across a basement, ground floor and first floor on the prominent Victoria Street. The premises has been let for a term of 10 years to The Souvlaki, a restaurant offering authentic Greek food.

Liam Ash of FHP Property Consultants comments:

“I am delighted to have let the Unit 6 The Royal Buildings to The Souvlaki, who will be a great addition to Victoria Street as they will add diversity to existing offerings provided by the current tenants on the street.  The unit was put under offer within one month and only took four weeks to complete, so it was a straightforward process for both parties. I am excited to try some authentic Greek cuisine once the store opens.”

Christos Kalantzis from The Souvlaki comments:

“It  has been an absolute pleasure working with Liam Ash from FHP Property Consultants.  I was initially apprehensive regarding the time it would take to find a suitable property, but Liam was able to guide me through the letting process and helped alleviate any worries and concerns I had along the way through clear and consistent communication.  FHP have once again delivered a smooth and swift experience, and I would highly recommend anyone looking for a commercial property to reach out to FHP.”

For further information, please contact Liam Ash on 07917 576 251 or liam.ash@fhp.co.uk.

ENDS

January 2023

Major fashion brand Universal Works are set to open a new standalone store in their hometown of Nottingham in a deal brokered by FHP Property Consultants.

Universal Works was founded in Nottingham by David Keyte and Stephanie Porritt in 2009, they have seen huge growth over recent years and now boasts an impressive following, the brand is now stocked across more than 300 stores globally.

The new standalone Nottingham shop follows after they have outgrown their current space above Rough Trade in Nottingham’s Hockley. The new shop is situated in a prominent position at 120-122 Derby Road and forms part of the exciting Canning Chambers redevelopment, the new shop has accommodation over ground floor and basement measuring approximately 1,126ft².

Canning Chambers is a stunning period building at the top of Derby Road on the edge of Nottingham city centre.  After standing derelict for many years the building was purchased by landlord Wollaton Nottingham Limited who have undertaken major refurbishment in and out to create a beautiful, sympathetic mixed use building comprising residential upper floors and retail space at ground and basement levels.

David Keyte, co-founder of Universal Works, comments:-

“We have outgrown our current space within Rough Trade so are really pleased to be opening the doors to a bigger and bolder, standalone store on Derby Road.  We are not your typical ‘high street’ kind of operator and prefer alternative neighbourhood style locations with potential and community spirit.  Derby Road has evolved over the last few years and we can’t wait to open the doors and become part of the community here.”

Oliver Marshall, Director at FHP comments:-

“The letting to Universal Works is a major step forward for the location on Derby Road, but also for the city of Nottingham, showcasing the success of a homegrown business.  This a really exciting brand with a massive following and hopefully it will encourage more brands to the area and Nottingham.

This section of Derby Road has improved so much over the years and is now an exciting location on the edge of the city centre with a really eclectic mix of retail, leisure, offices and residential creating a community feel. 

We are also marketing the 2 units adjacent to Universal Works part of the same development and have some very good interest from more exciting businesses.”

FHP acted on behalf of private landlord Wollaton Nottingham Limited to secure the letting to Universal Works at 120-122 Derby Road.  The property comprises a prominent double fronted retail unit with a ground floor area of 578ft² and basement ancillary of 548ft².  Universal Works have committed to a long term lease of the property, they have fitted out the property to a high standard and the doors open to the public on Tuesday 17^th January.

For more information please contact Oliver Marshall at FHP Property Consultants on 07887 787 885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk.

Kokoro Sushi has opened on Exchange Walk in Nottingham city centre.  Kokoro which now has over 50 locations across the UK specialises in sushi and bento with food available to go or to eat in.

Kokoro have taken a lease via FHP of 7-8 Exchange Walk in a unit that provides accommodation across ground floor and first floor with an area totalling 2,012ft².  Exchange Walk is a clever location and a busy thoroughfare  that links Nottingham’s Market Square with Albert Street and benefits from strong footfall throughout the day and night.  Kokoro have carried out a comprehensive fit out of the property with a vibrant new shop front.

FHP have secured this letting on behalf of landlord Evolve who purchased the parade in 2022.  The letting signifies a strong step forward and gives the parade another new anchor tenant to improve the tenant mix.

Oliver Marshall at FHP comments:-

“It is great to secure a national brand such as Kokoro into Nottingham.  We have been trying to get Kokoro into Nottingham for a number of years so it is brilliant to finally secure them, it is a great addition to the city.  The location on Exchange Walk is a busy thoroughfare and benefits from good footfall throughout the day and night, it is close to key locations in the city such as the Old Market Square and Albert Street, perfectly placed for city workers grabbing lunch or shoppers looking for a lunch on the go.”

Kat Behbahani of Evolve comments:-

“We are thrilled to welcome Kokoro Sushi and Bento to our parade on Exchange Walk.  They are a fantastic addition to the scheme and we wish them every success going forward, they have carried out a high quality fit out which you cannot miss as you pass by.”

FHP will also soon be remarketing the former Co-op Bank at 4-5 Exchange Walk which also presents another great opportunity for either a retail or leisure tenant, for more information please contact Oliver at FHP.

FHP acted on behalf of the landlord Evolve to secure Kokoro on a long term lease, Kokoro were represented by Graham Tring Associates.

For more information on this letting or to discuss other availability across Nottingham and the Midlands, please contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787 885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk.

FHP and joint agents Rowley Hughes Thomson have secured Tesco Express in a 3,500 sq ft unit in Three Spires Shopping Centre once occupied by M&S Simply Food.

Sat amongst quality national brands such as Mountain Warehouse, Vodafone, Vision Express and Costa, securing Tesco Express further adds to Three Spires convenience retail mix, providing a destination to shop and relax within beautiful, historic surroundings.

Doug Tweedie, Director at FHP commented:- “I love working on Lichfield’s prime retail asset. Over the years we’ve brought retailers such as Seasalt, Mountain Warehouse, Nationwide, Planet Doughnut, Coffee #1 together in a relaxing and attractive open area environment, and it works. Tesco Express are a great addition to this. Tourists love the cobbles and the Cathedral and everyone loves the independents and the artisan market. Lichfield is a quality retail centre and Three Spires sits at the heart of it. I’m looking forward to enhancing it further.”

Acting on behalf of private clients, Corbin Archer of FHP Property Consultants is pleased to announce the letting of the Basement Shop, 8-9 Sadler Gate, Derby to Anchor & Crew Limited and this will now act as their new home following relocation from another premises. Sadler Gate is situated in Derby’s Cathedral Quarter which is home to a mix of independent and national retailers in addition to a range of bars and restaurants.

The property provides 729ft² of retail shop space with an excellent shop frontage onto Sadler Gate. The property has been let for a period of 5 years to Anchor & Crew Limited who handcraft luxury unisex jewellery, accessories and lifestyle goods for the modern journeyman/women.

Corbin Archer of FHP Property Consultants comments:

“I am delighted to have let the Basement Shop to Anchor & Crew, who will be a great addition to Sadler Gate as they will compliment the existing tenants on the street nicely. We got the unit under offer in under one month and it took less than a month to complete, so it was a very quick transaction which I am very happy about. I look forward to visiting the shop once it has been fit out.”

For further information or to arrange a viewing, please contact Corbin Archer on 07929 716330 or email corbin.archer@fhp.co.uk

ENDS

November 2022

Card and gift retailer Card Factory have committed investment and their future occupation to the Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield, having agreed to relocate to larger premises within the development.

Card Factory will move to a 3,000 sq ft unit between JD and River Island in the middle of the scheme and will open in late October. Their existing store fronting The Parade will continue to trade in the interim.

Doug Tweedie, Director at FHP commented:- “It’s always great to work with Card Factory and I’d like to thank David Marsh at Card Factory and Rob Alston who represented the tenant in making the process run smoothly. The relocation of Card Factory is part of a wider asset management plan for the southern part of the scheme, and we’re delighted Card Factory have committed to the town once again.”

“I found Corbin to be very straightforward to deal with on our recent letting.  He is attentive and responsive, and he had a big part to play in ensuring the opportunity moved from viewing to completion so quickly.”

FHP Property Consultants have been instructed to market 2 Cobden Chambers, a refurbished period building located in the Terraces at Cobden Chambers. Cobden Chambers is a boutique courtyard situated in vibrant Hockley, just off the top of Pelham Street, Nottingham. The courtyard hosts a range of quirky traders, pop up street food vendors, regular markets and street art.

The circa 550 sq ft retail premises is spread across three floors, provides open plan retail accommodation and is ideal for a new start up or independent to grow and expand their business. The premises is ready to trade from day one and terms can be agreed on a flexible basis.

Ellis Cullen at FHP comments:

“This is a rare opportunity for an independent business to make their mark in Nottingham City Centre and benefit from high footfall in the Hockley area. The premises is ready to occupy immediately, and is certainly not one to miss out on.

I am keen to speak to nearby occupiers or up and coming businesses who would complement the existing traders and add to the vibrant atmosphere of Cobden Courtyard.”

2 Cobden Chambers is available to let by way of a new lease for a term of years to be agreed, with a quoted starting rent of £12,500 per annum exclusive.

For  further details please visit our website on https://www.fhp.co.uk/properties/2-cobden-chambers and get in touch with Ellis Cullen on 07450 972 111 or email ellis.cullen@fhp.co.uk.

FHP are delighted to have represented the landlord in letting 11,000 sq ft of retail space to Moons Toy Store in High Street, Newmarket.

Moons, who have been trading for 80 years, and had been in their previous retail space for 52 years, made the move in order to be able to trade over a single floor and expand their product range.

Doug Tweedie, Director at FHP commented:  “Every now and again something brings out the inner child and this letting did it for me.  I mean, who doesn’t love toys!  This particular building had the USP of being one of the largest retail units in Newmarket and we’re delighted it’s been taken by Amit and his team at Moons, it’s a great outcome for them and the town.”

“This particular leasing assignment was undertaken for a Midlands based client with whom we’ve worked closely on assets across the country.  Having four large vacant units available at the same time due to tenant administrations was a particularly challenging time for the client.  We’ve been able to devise a strategy to find the right occupier for a variety of different retail spaces and locations, of which we have now let three, with the fourth in solicitor’s hands.”

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce that Ted Baker, Sostrene Grene, 200 Degrees Coffee and White Rose have become the latest brands to commit to Derbion, Derby’s flagship retail and leisure destination.

Ted Baker have taken a lease on 2,960ft² on the prime fashion level on the upper mall.  Nearby occupiers include Tommy  Hilfiger, Timberland, JD Sports, Beaverbrooks and Footlocker.

Sostrene Grene, the Scandinavian furniture and home accessories brand have acquired premises on the lower north mall and comprises of approximately 6,000ft².

Fast growing Nottingham coffee roaster 200 Degrees secured premises on Crown Walk, signing a lease on a unit of 1,585ft² adjacent to Boots.  This is the 18^th store for the brand, complementing their existing store network in Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham and East Midlands Designer Outlet.

Sustainable fashion brand White Rose have opened on Albion Walk a new 3,000 sq ft flagship 14^th store in the region following their recent opening in Leicester.

Derbion has welcomed a raft of big name brands in recent months including Tommy Hilfiger, Jack Wills and also announced a £2 million investment into the new food terrace which will open pre Christmas 2022.

Frasers are due to open their new 127,000ft² flagship store in November.

Alan Pearson of FHP Property Consultants commented:-

“I am delighted to have secured leading regional coffee shop brand 200 Degrees for their Derby debut, 200 Degrees are a fantastic brand which will enhance the food & beverage offer within the shopping centre.  Leading Scandinavian homeware brand Sostrene Grene are building on their existing presence within the East Midlands for their new flagship large format store, which will add another dimension to the centre’s tenant mix.”

Michael Boundy, Senior Asset Manager at Derbion commented:-

“Our leasing momentum has continued to gather pace this year with a string of major lettings alongside some significant upsizes and store refurbishments from H&M and River Island for their new River Studios format.

We continue to drive forward our investment across the centre to ensure it remains the most attractive proposition for leading brands and our customers.”

FHP’s Birmingham office has been busy agreeing several new lease renewals across the region, sparking a sense of optimism amongst their landlord clients.

FHP have recently agreed new lease terms with Savers in Acocks Green, Clarks shoes in Bangor and Loughborough, and Santander and British Heart Foundation in Coventry.

Doug Tweedie, Director at FHP commented:- “Headlines relating to retail and leisure assets can be overwhelmingly negative, so it’s great to be able to share that we’ve agreed five renewals in quick succession and secured the commitment of five great occupiers to our client’s assets.  I’d personally like to thank everyone involved in getting these over the line.  Many of the clients we work with seek our advice from acquisition to leasing, to renewal and finally disposal.  It’s incredibly rewarding to be involved at each stage of the property’s ownership cycle.”

FHP are delighted to have let 40-42 Bridlesmith Gate to leading regional vintage fashion and trainer retailer Relic x Hooked.

Their new store extends to approximately 2,500 ft² over ground floor and first floor doubling their existing presence within the Victoria Shopping Centre.

The letting continues the renaissance of the Bridlesmith Gate area with a number of lettings secured over the last 2 years to include; Magic Garden, The Tap House, Everyday People, 101 Vintage, Seven Fifty Two, Cubed Cuts, Bravissimo, Pygott & Crone, Barista Lab, Stick & Ribbon, Aura Gallery and The Blind Rabbit.

Alan Pearson of FHP commented:-

“We are delighted to have worked with Relic x Hooked, a leading vintage fashion and trainer brand in the region to see them upsize to a new flagship store for their brand in Nottingham.  The store features a quality mix of leading vintage fashion brands together with a coffee and juice bar, creating a real lifestyle destination, together with one off events planned throughout the year.”

Natalie Shaw of Endymion commented:-

“We are thrilled to welcome Relic x Hooked to Bridlesmith House, which further cements Bridlesmith Gate as the “Carnaby Street” of Nottingham.  The Relic team have such exciting plans for their space and we feel privileged to share their journey.

‘The Gate’ has been at the heart of shopping in Nottingham since the middle ages.  As custodians of ‘The Gate’, we are working passionately with other landlords, tenants, agents and Council groups on some exciting projects which we cannot wait to share.”

Following the letting to The Cotswold Company reported earlier this year, FHP are delighted to have acted jointly with Wareing & Company in bringing Sofas & Stuff to Leamington Spa to further bolster the homeware range available in the town.

Sofas & Stuff occupy a 5,500 sq ft corner unit fronting Warwick Street and is ideally positioned in the heart of the town centre, and adjacent to Chandos Street car park.

The store opened on 17^th September and is the final piece of the redevelopment of the former Peacocks store which has been completely remodelled in this joint venture between the private landlord and TAG Developments, who delivered 26 luxury apartments.

Doug Tweedie, Director at FHP commented:  “Our client and TAG Developments have created something to be truly proud of with the redevelopment of this former retail unit.  The apartments are a beautiful addition, and with the opening of Sofas & Stuff this completes the development.  One which all parties can stand back and be truly proud of.  There are limited opportunities in town’s of Leamington Spa’s quality that allow profitable development of this type to take place, when it does, it’s fantastic to see the results.  This is regeneration at its finest.”

Japanese noodle and sushi concept Rice Express is due to open on Birmingham’s New Street in December bringing fresh, authentic flavours and the best sushi to Central Birmingham.

Rice Express have taken 1,000 sq ft on Birmingham’s prime New Street pitch, which now boasts some of Birmingham’s most popular restaurants, the choice of which keeps growing and growing.

Doug Tweedie, Director at FHP commented:-

“Occupier interest in 51 New Street was overwhelming, with many great food concepts coming forward with great ideas. The building itself created operational challenges but we’re so pleased to have found Rice Express who have been able, through well thought design to overcome these and produce a bright, colourful, easy to navigate space to grab & go or dine in. We can’t wait to see it open.”

“Central Birmingham is home to some world class grab & go, casual and fine dining options and would rival any major European city. Since 2020 Birmingham’s food offering has further improved, and with F&B and leisure concepts accounting for 85% of those looking for space in the city centre, providing the right space is brought forward the choice is set to improve further. F&B and leisure operators (amongst others) face massive challenges in the coming years, with utility prices adding to staff and supply chain issues, we must do our best to support every one, who have ultimately contributed to making Birmingham such an exciting city to be part of.”

The 2017 Rating List is drawing to a close, with just under six months left to initiate the appeal process against your 2017 Rating List assessment.

The 2017 Rating List has been in place since 1st April 2017 and the deadline to initiate the appeal process is 31st March 2023. If your Rating List assessment has not been reviewed or challenged, it is imperative that a Check – the first stage of the appeal process – is submitted within the coming months to protect your position prior to the List coming to an end. Once the Check is submitted, a Challenge against the assessment can be undertaken.

From 1st April 2023, the new 2023 Rating List will come into force and therefore, with effect from 1st April 2023 every property in England, Wales and Scotland will have a new Rateable Value. The assessments brought in by the new Rating List will be in force for 3 years until 31st March 2026.

At present there is little certainty regarding the 2023 Rating List. The Draft List which provides draft Rateable Values for the new 2023 Rating List should be published by the Valuation Office Agency by 31st December 2022 and the uniform business rates multiplier for 2023/24 should be published early in 2023.

There has not yet been any response by the Government on its summer consultation on the Transitional Relief scheme and therefore we do not yet know if the Transitional Relief scheme will be maintained in some guise for the 2023 Rating List. In short, this scheme is designed to limit the immediate increases and reductions in rates payable in instances where there is a significant change in Rateable Value between two Rating Lists, with the intention being that no occupier should face a particularly steep rise or fall in the business rates payable as a result of the revaluation.

What we do know, however, is that the downwards transitional phasing scheme has been detrimental to occupiers throughout the 2017 Rating List and if it is maintained following the 2023 revaluation it could be disastrous for retail and hospitality occupiers.

Mairéad Gethings of FHP Property Consultants comments:

“It is imperative that landlords and occupiers take action now to reduce their Rateable Values in the existing 2017 Rating List, not only to reduce their current rates payable but also because such are fundamental to the calculation of the base liability figure from which any new transitional scheme in the future 2023 Rating List would have reference to, if the Transitional Relief scheme is maintained in some form. Whilst ratepayers do not have any control over whether the Government will maintain the Transitional Relief scheme or not, ratepayers do have the power to challenge their 2017 Rating List assessments and with Business Rates being one of the highest outgoings, we would urge all ratepayers to review and challenge their Business Rates assessment now.”

For further information on how FHP could help you, contact Mairéad Gethings on 07917 460 036 or mairead@fhp.co.uk.

ENDS

Mairéad Gethings

Date:  5 October 2022

The Birmingham office of leading property consultancy, FHP, has completed the investment sale of a property in the city following a discreet marketing campaign.

1118 Warwick Road in Acocks Green, which is tenanted by British Heart Foundation, was sold to a private individual for a figure in excess of the asking price having attracted multiple offers.

Ben Clinton, surveyor at FHP’s Birmingham office, said that the company was pleased to have achieved a positive result on behalf of all parties involved.

He said: “We are delighted with the outcome of this transaction. We received significant interest in the premises and due to the confidentiality of the sale, implemented a targeted marketing campaign with those prospective purchasers, many of whom we remain in contact with.  We understand that the buyer is extremely happy to have completed the deal and we look forward to working with them again in the future, to support the growth of their portfolio.”

The investment sale was one of two recent transactions that FHP has completed in south Birmingham. The firm has also re-geared the Savers’ lease at nearby 1126 Warwick Road, Acocks Green.

Ben commented: “Having just completed on the investment sale at 1118, we also completed the lease renewal at 1126 Warwick Road, occupied by Savers. Both transactions further demonstrate the activity and level of demand for commercial property in Acocks Green.”  

If you are a commercial landlord and wish to discuss how FHP can help you with the sale, letting, lease renewal or rent review of your premises, please contact Ben Clinton on 07929 673 232 or email ben.clinton@fhp.co.uk.

A Midlands-based property consultancy has proved that reports of the death of the high street are premature after completing lettings to two companies.

FHP has secured the double letting in Daventry town centre on behalf of local landlord and established family business, BW Male & Sons.

The largest of the lettings has seen print services company, Rapido Print Solutions, agree a five-year lease on a 3,385 sq ft retail unit on 35 High Street, Daventry. The deal commits the company’s future to the town, where it has been based for almost twenty years.

Local start-up business, Smokey Joes Vapes Co is expanding from its Rugby base into a new 556 sq ft premises at 15 Market Square and has also agreed a five-year lease.

FHP says it is receiving “strong interest” in several other vacant retail properties in Daventry and believes that the spate of recent lettings demonstrates demand is still high for good quality town centre retail and leisure accommodation.

Ben Clinton of FHP said: “The town centre market was strong pre-pandemic and following Covid-19, it is certainly showing real signs of recovery now. BW Male & Sons is passionate about attracting occupiers to complement the existing offering and we’re seeing a real diversity in the types of businesses that are interested in coming to the town.

“Typically, our high streets have been dominated by takeaways and supermarket chains, but there are operators such as health clinics, yoga studios and veterinary surgeries appearing in the market. We are marketing several properties on behalf of the landlord in Daventry, including two former high street banks, which combined would make a great restaurant space next to the recently developed Arc Cinema.” 

Christopher Male, Director at BW Male & Sons, said: “It’s so important to work with reliable partners like FHP who understand the local market and can identify the potential Daventry has as a location for ambitious businesses. We have maintained a presence in the town for many years and are keen to see the area thrive. We wish Rapido Print Solutions and Smokey Joes every success in their new premises.”

For more information about available properties in Daventry, please contact Ben Clinton on 07929 673 232 or email ben.clinton@fhp.co.uk

ENDS

Ben Clinton

Date: 26^th September 2022

FHP are delighted to confirm the letting of Unit 26 Bakers Lane in Lichfield’s Three Spires Shopping Centre to Café Fortune, who will trade as international coffee house brand Starbucks.

Doug Tweedie commented:

“This is a particularly pleasing Asset Management move, having secured vacant possession of the space in order to deliver the letting. Really pleased to see Café Fortune and Starbucks pick the Three Spires Shopping Centre in Lichfield. The market is competitive, so an occupier choosing to invest in the Centre is a real testament to the tireless work the Centre Management Team undertake to make the Centre present so well.  The letting comes quickly off the back of securing Tesco Express in Unit 16, and with Units 17, 19 and 26a also under offer, it is really encouraging to see how much leasing activity we have at the moment under new owners LCP. Pleasure as always to deal with Ian Gill, Property Director at Café Fortune Ltd”.

Raja Khan, Managing Director, Café Fortune Ltd commented:

“We are looking forward to bringing Starbucks to the visitors of the aspiring Three Spires Shopping Centre and providing an enjoyable experience Café Fortune are renowned for.”

For further leasing information, please do contact either Doug Tweedie at FHP or our Joint Agents, Prime Retail.