Saint Property Services have moved into new offices at 9 Victoria Street, relocating from Beeston town centre.

Established in 2007, Saint are a leading independent estate agents dealing with property throughout Nottingham.

Saint have taken a lease for a term of 10 years, extending to 3,000ft² over ground floor, basement and first floor.

Alan Pearson, Director of FHP commented:-

“We are delighted to welcome Saint Property Services to Nottingham city centre for their new flagship head office. They are a long-established business who have sought to benefit from the change to use classes and expand into a prime location in Nottingham to boost their brand presence in the city. ”

Curtis Gault of Saint Property Services commented:-

“Saint Property Services have been growing in the shadows for some years now, and we feel it’s time to bring a breath of fresh air to the property market in Nottingham and offer an experience that people remember in all areas of Real Estate.”

I joined FHP during the summer in 2022 whilst completing my MSc in Real Estate at Nottingham Trent University. Prior to this I previously graduated from the University of Nottingham with a 2:1 in History.

I work predominately in FHP’s Derby Office dealing with the sale and lettings of all forms of commercial property from office, industrial and retail and I cover most of Derbyshire and assist on instructions across the whole of the East Midlands.

Derby’s best-loved retail and leisure destination, Derbion, has revealed its H&M store is set to double in size later this year.

H&M will temporarily close its doors from Sunday 17^th July, before re-opening on Level 2 in Autumn. The new 25,000sq ft store will offer visitors an extensive selection of women’s and menswear, as well as bringing H&M Kids under the same roof. The current H&M Kids store will remain open throughout the expansion, closing just before the transformation is complete to enable their relocation.

In a move that’s sure to delight shoppers, the new supersized store will also see H&M Home arrive at Derbion for the first time.  The new space will feature an extensive range of H&M’s Home products, including bed linen, glassware and many more stylish home accessories.

H&M’s significant upsize will see the retailer take over River Island’s former unit next door, as well as refresh its current space.  This follows the news that River Island will be relocating in-centre expanding its footprint by more than a third later this summer.

The news follows a string of announcements from Derbion including Jack Wills opening its doors earlier this month, as well as NEXT investing in its current space in-centre, which will deliver a number of exciting and physical changes to enhance its offer for shoppers this summer.

Toni Galli, H&M UK & IE Country Manager, said: “We’re excited to be significantly increasing our space at Derbion and look forward to shoppers seeing our new-look store when we open later this year”.

“With the much wider ranges of H&M available in one place, including our expansive Home collection, we’re confident our new store will offer our customers a fantastic shopping experience.”

Adam Tamsett, Centre Director at Derbion, commented: “This significant upsize for H&M demonstrates that brands are investing and are keen to expand their presence in Derbion.

We’re delighted to announce H&M’s expansion and to be able to offer the retailer’s highly desirable home products and bring children’s clothing into the same store, so that everything is all in one incredible, contemporary space.”

Alan Pearson, Director of FHP Property Consultants commented: “H&M is the latest retailer to upsize in the centre, following the announcement earlier this year or River Island’s relocation and upsize, which is due to open next month.

Recent high-profile openings in the scheme include Jack Wills, FLANNELS, Mango and Tommy Hilfiger, with Frasers set to arrive at the centre later this year.”

FHP acting on behalf of retained clients Lidl have negotiated the acquisition of a 6.6 acre site next to the Nottingham City Hospital for Lidl on a subject to planning basis.

The site was marketed jointly by Nottingham City Council and Stephen Hemming of Lambert Smith Hampton – Birmingham.

David Hargreaves said:  “This is a much larger site than the typical Lidl site of 2 acres.  FHP provided advice to Lidl about the development options for the likely surplus land of some 4 acres and because the location will fill a gap in the Lidl network in Nottingham they decided to buy the whole site subject to planning.”

FHP subsequently agreed terms on behalf of Lidl with MyPad to sell on the surplus land subject to planning which will be developed to provide new Affordable Family Housing.

A mixed use joint Planning Application has now been submitted to Nottingham City Council by Lidl and MyPad.

Hargreaves said: “This acquisition is a great example of the flexibility that Lidl bring to their site acquisition programme, whilst demonstrating FHP’s ability through our market knowledge and contacts to be able to underwrite risk for our clients.”

It is hoped Planning Consent will be secured this summer with Lidl opening Spring 2023.

ENDS

David Hargreaves

Date: 21 July 2022

FHP acting on behalf of Wheatcroft Land have sold a 1.2 acre site on Burton Road, Derby to Burney Capital Partners, a specialist roadside developer.

David Hargreaves of FHP who handled the sale said: “The whole site had been used for many years as a Pay & Display Car Park, but when Catherine Haward took over the running of the company from her father plans were put in place to develop out the prominent 3.15 acre site.

The first phase saw the sale of land to Aldi who built a 20,000 sq ft food store, whilst the remaining land was to be developed for unit shops for which Planning Consent was secured.   However, as the Wheatcroft Homes Business expanded, it was decided to sell the site to release funds to build more houses with a new 17 House development site subsequently acquired.”

After a couple of false starts, terms were agreed with Darren Burney for a sale on an unconditional basis with the sale quickly completed early Summer.

The Burney Group are proposing to develop 2 Drive Thru Restaurants on the site and a 3,500 sq ft Retail Unit, subject to planning.

Catherine Haward of Wheatcroft Land said: “We are delighted that FHP were able to secure a quick and easy sale enabling us to further invest in our new homes developments and our forthcoming scheme of 17 stunning new homes and barn conversions in Kirby Muxloe in Leicestershire.”

Nottingham and Derby based FHP Property Consultants acted for Wheatcroft Land in conjunction with Siobhan Smyth of Knights who acted on the legal side of the sale to the Burney Group, who represented themselves.

ENDS

David Hargreaves

Date: 19 July 2022

FHP are pleased to confirm the acquisition of Doughnotts latest store at McArthur Glen East Midlands Designer Outlet.  This takes them to 5 sites joining Nottingham, Lincoln, Leicester and Beeston.

The opening is Doughnotts first kiosk site.  The bespoke kiosk has been created by Capital Kiosks and provides a stunning and eye catching sales space in a prime position on the main mall outside the food court.

Oliver Marshall at FHP comments:

“We have worked closely with Doughnotts over the last 6 years to help them find the best possible sites, the latest acquisition at East Midlands Designer Outlet is a real step forward for them and puts them alongside global brands like Boss, Nike, Adidas, Haribo and Five Guys!

The centre provides a great shopper experience with strong annual footfall and we are confident they will perform really well here.”

Wade Smith, Doughnotts co-founder and director comments:

“We considered this location a few years ago but we weren’t a 7 day business back then, so it’s amazing to see all this come together now.  It is our first kiosk site and we are so pleased with how it looks.  We are excited for this new chapter, the kiosk looks amazing and we are hoping it opens the doors for more kiosk opportunities across the Midlands.

We love working with FHP, as a small business they provide us with the best advice as part of our growth strategy.”

FHP and Doughnotts are already working on another exciting new site with more details to be announced soon.  For more details please contact Oliver Marshall at FHP Property Consultants on oliver@fhp.co.uk or 07887 787885.

FHP are pleased to confirm the letting of 2 retail units to growing menswear retailer Wise Guys.  The shops are located in Chesterfield and Newark town centres and take Wise Guys to a total of 6 stores across the Midlands.

They have taken 9-9b Packers Row in Chesterfield on a long term basis.  The shop is a former Greenwoods which has been stood vacant for many years and after a programme of refurbishment by the landlord Wise Guys are now open and trading.  The shop provides accommodation of 1,859ft² over ground and first floor.

They have also signed for the former Dorothy Perkins in Newark which is a bigger unit measuring over 6,000ft² at ground floor which is set to become their new flagship. They have teamed up with their sister brand Wise Girls for this bigger space to provide a comprehensive mens and womens offering.  They have relocated from nearby Middle Gate after outgrowing their unit and have committed to Stodman Street on a long term basis.

FHP acted on behalf of separate private landlord’s on both properties, who were both very pleased with the results achieved.

Oliver Marshall at FHP comments:-

“It’s brilliant to see an independent retailer like Wise Guys growing.  They have taken on two very prominent locations in attractive market towns.  These two deals highlight our strength as market leaders in the East Midlands as we are able to explore multiple units with acquisitive operators across the region. Mike is a great operator and we wish him well on these new openings.”

Mike Willis, director at Wise Guys adds:

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to continue to grow the business.  Chesterfield is a great new location for us and the increased size in Newark means we can add to the range, expand the formalwear side and introduce our sister company Wise Girls.”

For more details please contact Oliver Marshall on oliver@fhp.co.uk or 07887 787885.

FHP are pleased to have acted for ALB Group in the acquisition of the Sailmakers Shopping Centre, Ipswich.

Prominently situated in the City Centre, ALB Group plan to make a significant investment into the space and detailed discussions with new tenants are already ongoing.

Phil Daniels who represented ALB commented:

“Already home to brands such as Boots, HMV, River Island, Iceland, Poundland and Baldwins Department Store, the Sailmakers represents a significant upscaling of activity by the ALB Group.  At 160,000ft² this is the largest retail asset acquired by them to date”. 

Arran Bailey, Managing Director of ALB Group commented:

“We are determined to re-think the way high streets are managed and offer these important community centres the chance of revival.” 

ALB Group are actively seeking further opportunities of all scale and Phil Daniels of FHP Property Consultants will welcome any enquiries as regards similar assets that may be available to purchase.

FHP are pleased to be marketing Units A – C, 1 Albion Street, Derby.  The units occupy a prominent corner position where Albion Street meets East Street, close to the entrance of the Derbion Shopping Centre where TK Maxx is also situated. The area comprises of a mix of national, regional and independent occupiers including shops, financial services, cafes and restaurants.

There are three units available ranging from 747ft² to 1,087ft² which are newly refurbished to a high standard.  They provide suspended ceiling with lighting, heating/cooling system, electric door/window shutters and wooden flooring.  The units also benefit from rear loading via a communal serviced goods lift.

The property was previously one large unit which was formerly occupied by Next who vacated a few years ago and it has since struggled with vacancies.  At the end of last year, client of FHP, Resolute Retail Solutions, purchased the property and split the ground floor into three smaller retail units.

Tim Hubbard of Resolute Retail Solutions, the landlord, comments:

“We realise that its tough for businesses following the pandemic, and so by creating smaller units from the original large shop, we hope to attract smaller business owners back to the high street.  The three units are newly refurbished and offer a blank canvas for businesses to move straight into, enabling them to get trading straight away with minimal up-front costs.”

Estée Coulthard-Boardman of FHP Property Consultants comments:

“I am delighted to be marketing this newly refurbished retail space. Resolute Retail Solutions have done a fantastic job, if you are looking for top quality space in Derby City Centre that’s ready to move into, then this is it.  Given the recent success we’ve had of new lettings on Albion Street, and with having the former Burger King unit next door under offer, I am hopeful this space will let within good timeframes.  We have already received good interest and I look forward to speaking with all other interested parties.”

For further information please contact Estée Coulthard-Boardman on estee@fhp.co.uk / 07917 576 251.

Estée Coulthard-Boardman

June 2022

We are delighted to say that it has been a promising couple of months for the Derby retail scene.  Despite the current challenges surrounding inflation, interest rates and tax rises, there is certainly a sense of restored confidence within retailers in comparison to the previous couple of “pandemic years”.   We are witnessing a good level of enquiries from a range of different occupiers which are pleasingly turning into lettings, some of which I am excited to now be able to reveal…

Looking firstly at Derby’s high street, following ALB Group’s acquisition of the block on Albion Street just a couple of months ago, I am pleased to announce that we have already completed on three new lettings.  The former card shop unit has been let to “Hatchet Harrys Axe Throwing”, the old Goldsmiths unit has gone to an independent speciality coffee shop “Barista Lab” and the former EE store has been let to “Pace”, a lifestyle fitness boutique that will offer a wide range of gifts, wellbeing products, exercise classes and personal training.

Additionally, we can finally reveal that we have exchanged contracts on the former Dorothy Perkins/Burtons unit on Victoria Street with “Boo” – a fast food burger restaurant chain who have a number of locations across the Midlands.

Within the Cathedral Quarter, Derby Brewing Company are taking the former Las Iguanas premises on Friar Gate and are opening their new concept in “The Clubhouse” which will be a unique addition to Derby’s hospitality scene.  We have also just agreed an offer on the old Burger King unit on East Street to an exciting leisure occupier.

We have also welcomed several new brands into the Derbion Shopping Centre in recent months, with Tommy Hilfiger, Mango, Flannels and Lids having taken place and the likes of Frasers and Jack Wills set to open their doors very soon.

No doubt there will be concerns in 2022 for retailers, however we are highly optimistic about the rest of the year and excited as to what it will bring to Derby.

For further information please contact Darran Severn 07917 460 031 / darran@fhp.co.uk.

FHP Property Consultants are delighted to announce further expansion of their Retail & Leisure agency team, with the appointment of Ellis Cullen.  Ellis brings with her 3 years of property experience in the East Midlands having previously worked for NG Chartered Surveyors.

Ellis joins us at an exciting time for the business where we are seeing growth in all sectors and will add to our aims of trying to provide the best possible service to clients new and old alike.  FHP were ranked the 4^th most active retail agent nationally in 2021 by EG Radius, transacting on 430,000 sq ft of accommodation.

Director Alan Pearson commented:

“I am delighted that we have found the need to be on the recruitment trail again.  We are continuing to experience good levels of enquires for retail and leisure properties throughout the Midlands and the ongoing transactional volumes has resulted in the need to expand our team to service our valued client, both new and existing

There is no doubt the High Street is evolving, and we continually strive to be at the forefront of this.  In Ellis we have a terrific colleague who can help our business grow as well as developing and growing her own career, as we continue to invest into the next generation of talent in the region.”

Ellis commented:

“I am thrilled to join FHP’s busy retail and leisure team.  FHP is the ideal firm for young surveyors looking to thrive and establish their own property network.  I have been empowered by my colleagues to think creatively and go out and make a mark in the sector.  These values are particularly important to me and my ambition to progress in my career as a surveyor.

I am thoroughly looking forward to working with our current clients and finding new opportunities in the market.”

I am a member of the Retail and Leisure Agency team at FHP.  I am in the process of completing my degree apprenticeship at Nottingham Trent University going down the Real Estate pathway with the intention to graduate and qualify as a Chartered Surveyor in 2024.

Today, Derbion has welcomed another retailer to its extensive offering.  LIDS, the world’s largest hat retailer in North America, selling fan and fashion-oriented headwear and apparel, has open a brand-new 800 sq. ft store in Derbion.

The new store, located on Level 2 between Whitewall Galleries and the upcoming Frasers store, offers a vast assortment of college, MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL team hats, as well as other specialty sports fashion categories, all in the latest styles and colours.

Adam Tamsett, general manager at Derbion, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome LIDS to our retail offering!  With such a unique offering of branded headwear, LIDS will give our fashion-focused visitors even more variety when they shop.

LIDS is the latest retailer to join Derbion’s impressive line-up, which continues to go from strength to strength.  The announcement follows the arrival of several new retailers to the centre, including Mango, Tommy Hilfiger and FLANNELS.  Jack Wills and Frasers are set to open in the coming months, plus there will be many more exciting new developments, which we look forward to announcing soon.”

Britten Maughan, President of LIDS, said: “LIDS is excited to bring American Sports and fashion to the mall­­­­­.  We offer a large assortment of hats and jerseys and carry top brands like Nike, New Era, Adidas and Mitchell and Ness.  With over 1,000 hat options to choose from we immediately become the best place to buy a hat!”

Alan Pearson, Director of FHP commented “We’re delighted to have LIDS join the extensive line-up of international brands at Derbion and choose the scheme for their first East Midlands Store.”

FHP are pleased to confirm a string of completions across a number of neighbourhood parades for clients LCP Properties.  FHP have concluded lettings at Forge Corner in Blaby, St Wilfrids Square in Calverton, Cattlemarket in Loughborough and Kimberley Shopping Centre, with all of the parades now fully occupied.

FHP work closely with leading commercial property and investment company LCP, acting as agents for their East Midlands property portfolio.

Unit 6 at Kimberley Shopping Centre has been leased by an independent café operator who also operates No.18 Café in Calverton.  They have taken Unit 6 which is the former Subway on a new 5-year term for their second café venture.  This is an exciting new use for the parade and will further improve the vitality and dwell time.  Kimberley Shopping Centre is an ever popular retail scheme in the heart of the town with excellent parking facilities.

17 St Wilfrids Square in Calverton which is the former Core Educational Centre has been let on a long term basis to a barbers.  St Wilfrids Square, Calverton is in the heart of the village and provides an excellent mix of retail operators, this latest letting is again a new use to the scheme and will complement the other retailers very well.

Unit 4 Forge Corner in Blaby has been let to Huntsman Barbers on a new long term basis following the vacating of Age UK charity shop. This is Huntsman’s 4^th shop in the region as they grow their band and presence. This is a great use to bring in and is another good letting following the letting to Savers at the end of 2021. Forge Corner is an excellent mixed use scheme within the town centre adjacent to excellent town centre parking facilities.

Oliver Marshall, Associate Director at FHP comments:

“It has been great working with LCP on these instructions and concluding matters swiftly.  LCP have properties across the UK and we are pleased to be their agents across the East Midlands. These lettings show a snapshot of where we are in the market, where there is still very strong retail demand particularly in town and suburb locations especially within neighbourhood retail parades.  We continue to see demand from new businesses and growing independent and regional businesses who are looking to secure prominent retail positions. 

The schemes mentioned all have excellent parking facilities onsite or close by and are well shopped serving the local communities.

We work hard to identify and target uses and operators who are not present in order to deliver the best result and improve the tenant mix in each scheme.

 Barry Flint, LCP Asset Manager for the schemes adds:-

“These are all vibrant neighbourhood shopping locations and the uses all complement the existing tenants.  FHP has delivered these lettings quickly and professionally on LCP’s behalf, attracting strong local traders to the centres.”

If you are a landlord with a property requiring advice on leasing, selling or want to discuss upcoming lease events, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the FHP team.  If you are a tenant or growing business and want to discuss any other retail opportunities that we currently have on the market and off market then please also get in touch.

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

Town centre redevelopment or repurposing is at the forefront of many stakeholders minds at the moment, but there are often many barriers to repurposing or redevelopment, not least gaining possession of the proposed development site.

FHP were tasked with speaking to a number of national retailers who held protected leases within a proposed development site.  Through detailed negotiation, we “regeared” all leases to incorporate rolling redevelopment break options with all occupiers in the proposed redevelopment area.

Doug Tweedie commented: “This was a satisfying result. Our developer client was keen to speak to occupiers and negotiate rather than go down the more protracted CPO route. All parties are happy with the outcome and the development, whichever route it takes can commence with a flexible timeframe providing a degree of certainty to the occupiers, and mitigating holding costs for the developer in the meantime”.   

FHP has successfully acted on behalf of a private client on the re-letting of the former Bon Marché retail unit in Wellington, Telford.

The letting will see European convenience store, Casper Stores take over the premises, upsizing from its current location in Telford town centre.

FHP surveyor, Ben Clinton said that the deal had not been without complications, as the previous tenant had entered into administration.

He said that FHP had secured vacant possession, before achieving a back-to-back letting which includes a fixed uplift and rent review within the 10-year lease.

“This was a great deal for our client and will help Casper Stores with its expansion plans,” said Ben.

“We received strong interest from several national retailers, which demonstrates the resilience of the local retail market. There is much speculation surrounding the future of retail but in areas such as Wellington, the right blend of occupiers will attract footfall as is evident in the lack of vacant retail units across the town centre.”

If you are looking to sell or lease your commercial property, or would like further information on the retail market in the West Midlands, please get in touch with Ben Clinton of FHP on 07929 673 232 or email Ben.Clinton@fhp.co.uk.

FHP is delighted to have completed the lease surrender of the former Barclays Bank in Stone, Staffordshire.

The former bank – which closed last year – will be occupied by The Artisan Boutique, a specialist arts and crafts retailer that provides creative workshops and classes for local people.

Refurbishment works are well underway and the boutique is scheduled to reopen later this year.

The property is one of several instructions that FHP has secured with Barclays in Shropshire and Staffordshire, as part of support for the firm’s wider disposal strategy.

We have also surrendered the former Barclays Bank in Market Street, Oakengates as well as secured the freehold sale of the bank’s former branch on Madeley High Street in Telford.

Ben Clinton, Surveyor of FHP Property Consultants said:  “We are very pleased to be working with Barclays at sites across the region. In Stone, our early engagement with the landlord allowed us to better understand the appetite for a surrender, whilst our marketing campaign helped us to introduce a fantastic occupier to replace Barclays and assist with the surrender negotiations.

 Surrendering bank leases can sometimes be challenging to negotiate but we are really pleased to have delivered a great deal for all involved. The Artisan Boutique has exciting plans for this substantial property and we look forward to visiting the property again when it has reopened.”

 For more information, please contact Ben Clinton of FHP Property Consultants on 07929 673 232 or email Ben.Clinton@fhp.co.uk

FHP are pleased to confirm the sale of a High Street retail property which has contributed to a number of lease renewals and regears of other existing assets, to prompt a change in strategy going forward.

FHP have been tasked with realigning the investment portfolio, considering all asset classes.

Doug Tweedie commented “We’ve taken an holistic view of all assets owned and have a strategy going forward. This will include repositioning for the right asset,  but pricing will be key”

The site of former shoe shop in Nottingham has been leased by an ‘urban axe throwing’ business in a move designed to reinvigorate part of the city centre.

Hatchet Harry’s is setting up its fifth UK venue in Nottingham’s Lister Gate, in a commercial unit previously occupied by Shoezone.

The site is one of a number of buildings in Lister Gate that have been acquired by Nottingham-based ALB Group, which is also behind the regeneration of nearby Bridlesmith Gate.

Hatchet Harry’s, which started in Newcastle in May 2019 and has other venues in Glasgow, Liverpool and Aberdeen, had been looking for a suitable venue in Nottingham for the past two years.

Now, thanks to a deal struck by property consultants FHP, people in Nottingham will have the chance to learn how to throw axes at indoor wooden targets as part of an entertaining day or night out.

The activity was traditionally a popular Canadian pastime handed down by the country’s lumberjacks.

Jack Beadle, who founded Hatchet Harry’s with business partner Richard Bridge, said: “We’ve looked at a number of venues in Nottingham, but we’d not found anything suitable until this one in Lister Gate came up.  We decided that the footfall here is going to be a big plus, and when we heard about what ALB was doing to regenerate this area of Nottingham, it really piqued our interest. 

“That, combined with the regeneration of the Broadmarsh area, makes it the perfect location for our latest Hatchet Harry’s venue.”

Jack said that indoor axe throwing was proving to be a big hit with people of all ages, particularly as a first-stop for couples out on a date night.

Despite a strict ‘no alcohol’ policy and closely supervised tuition from trained instructors, indoor axe throwing is also popular with groups on work socials, stag and hen-dos.

The Nottingham venue will have four ‘cages’ where people can compete with each other to throw wooden-handled axes into a target.  Participants must pre-book slots via the company’s website www.hatchetharrys.co.uk.

Oliver Marshall, Associate Director of FHP, which marketed the property on behalf of ALB Group, said: “We are so pleased to have worked with ALB to deliver this letting, which is hopefully the start of things to come for Lister Gate.   Hatchet Harry’s is an exciting new concept for Nottingham and it’s great they have chosen the city for their fifth venue. 

“Lister Gate has had a tough time of late but things are changing with the new Broadmarsh car park and bus station opening in November.  Many of the properties on Lister Gate have been, and are being, repurposed to create residential accommodation on the upper floors and so attracting new leisure uses to the area is fantastic and really adds to the mix.”

FHP is working hard behind the scenes with ALB Group and other landlords to bring in new and interesting tenants to Lister Gate and surrounding areas.

ALB made headlines recently with its announcement that it had been snapping up properties in nearby Bridlesmith Gate with the aim of turning it into the Nottingham equivalent of London’s Carnaby Street.

Arran Bailey, Managing Director of ALB, said: “Being a Nottingham group of companies, ALB is totally committed to doing what we can to help regenerate the city centre.  There’s been a lot of disruption in the Lister Gate area, with the Broadmarsh redevelopment and, of course, the devastation brought about by Covid-19 but we have big plans to breathe new life into the area, and we’re convinced that exciting new concepts like Hatchet Harry’s will add some real sparkle and interest to this part of Nottingham.”

Hatchet Harry’s is planning to open further venues in Brentwood, Reading and Brighton in the next few months.

For further information please contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787 885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk

An empty town centre shop has been transformed to give gaming fans somewhere to indulge in their passions for everything from board games, to sci-fi and superheroes.

Geek Retreat has taken up the last remaining vacant space on Moxon Island, in Hanley town centre, Stoke-on-Trent.

The venture has created a dozen jobs and a vibrant environment featuring a shop, gaming cafe and events hub rolled into one.

Occupying the site of the former Greenwoods Menswear shop, which had been vacant since 2017, and the neighbouring 4 Miles Bank, Geek Retreat takes up 1,800 sq ft of ground floor space.

The store is scheduled to open on December 18^th, amid the Christmas rush – one of 100 branches the national chain plans to launch by the end of 2021.

Robert Mole, franchise owner for Geek Retreat, said:

“We are creating about a dozen jobs in opening up the branch.  I have lived in Stoke for 18 years and Stoke needs people to come together and set up these independent businesses, otherwise the town is going to go further downhill.  It’s great to be able to get things going in Hanley to regenerate the area.”

Geek Retreat stocks geek culture merchandise like comics, posters, clothing, figures and memorabilia as well as games and trading cards.  Fans of everything from Marvel and sci-fi, to Warhammer and Pokémon, and even traditional board games, are welcome.

Robert added: “There are tons of gaming communities locally, and there is geek culture all around Stoke and Newcastle-under-Lyme, especially with two universities on our doorstep.

People who have been through Covid are all discovering these new hidden hobbies they didn’t realise they were into, and they had nowhere to go and do it.  But that’s what we are going to provide.  We are very excited to open and to see people coming in to start building communities.”

The future looks bright for units on Moxon Island, which are owned by Nottingham-based property developer ALB Group.

The lease has been renewed on the Shuropody shop, The Works, Rowfers, while the lease has been extended for Forbidden Planet, and the newsagent lease is about to reach completion.

ALB has also started work to turn the top floor into residential accommodation.

Arran Bailey, Managing Director of ALB Group, said:

“We are delighted to welcome Geek Retreat to Moxon Island.  It is the perfect addition to this part of Hanley and opens up a whole world of leisure pursuits for people from near and far, especially those who are into alternative culture.”

Commercial estate agents FHP acted on ALB’s behalf to market the units.  Oliver Marshall, FHP associate director, said:

“It’s been great working with ALB on regearing and renewing the existing leases within the building, and this is an excellent result for the remaining vacant space.  It’s the ideal space for Geek Retreat, sitting alongside Forbidden Planet and Rowfers.”

For further information please contact Oliver Marshall on 07887 787 885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk

FHP are pleased to confirm the letting of 5 Bakers Lane in Three Spires Shopping Centre, Lichfield to Planet Doughnut.

Doug Tweedie commented “A family business, and having starting life in a garage in 2017, its amazing to see them expand.  What’s more interesting is that they decided to take a store after a successful trip to Lichfield’s market.  We wish them every success and would love to see more independent businesses in Three Spires.”

FHP Property Consultants have agreed a pop up with Facebook for their seasonal promotion of local businesses in the Nottingham area.  Acting on behalf of private clients, Facebook have taken a pop up for a period of 2 months from December through to January as part of their national roll out.

The highly prominent 31 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham which benefits from strong daily footfall and its proximity to the public transport network.

Alan Pearson, Director of FHP commented:-

“It is great to see Facebook continuing to improvise and acquire physical stores to promote local businesses, particularly at this time of year and in light of the economic back drop created by the Pandemic, over the last 18 months.  This is a highly prominent corner in Nottingham and presented the ideal opportunity to showcase these brands, who will hopefully have generated additional turnover during this period of festive trade.”

For further information please contact Alan Pearson on 07876 396005 or email alan@fhp.co.uk.

Delighted to share that new retailer to Leamington Spa, Cotswold Company opened their brand new store on The Parade at the end of November 2021.  They’ve done an amazing job of transforming the ex Monsoon Accessorize and our client is quite rightly delighted, as are we.  Here’s to many years of successful trading ahead.  Pleased to have represented the Landlord, and great to work with Mark Crookes at McMullen Real Estate who represented the Tenant.

We had some great interest in 35-37 The Parade, receiving multiple offers for both the unit as a whole, or a split, so interest between 1,500-4,000 sq ft in Leamington Spa is certainly as strong as any other location in the region.  We also have 5,500 sq ft on Warwick Street, and 1,500 sq ft further along The Parade under offer which is great to see.  Please contact Doug Tweedie (07887 787 892 / doug@fhp.co.uk) or Ben Clinton (07929 673 232 / ben.clinton@fhp.co.uk) of FHP Property Consultants for further information.

Following the opening of LIDLs new flagship store at Brookside Road, Uttoxeter, FHP are pleased to announce the sale of the former Lidl store on Town Meadows Way in Uttoxeter.

This property comprised some 16,400ft² of retail space on 1.4 acres and has been sold to local property business AW Heritage Limited.

Phil Daniels of FHP who represented Lidl in the sale commented:

“This property generated strong interest from owner occupiers, developers and investors. Following a best bids process we are pleased to conclude a sale to AW Heritage Limited.”

AW Heritage Limited intend to convert the property into smaller units for let.  AW were represented by Louis Taylor.

Phil Daniels further commented:

“The demand for freehold property in all sectors continues unabated.  If you have a surplus property or land then we would be pleased to advise you on how to maximise its value at disposal.”

If you have an opportunity you would like to discuss please contact Phil Daniels of FHP Property Consultants on 07976 318269 or email phil@fhp.co.uk.

 ENDS

 Phil Daniels

Tel: 07976 318269

Email: phil@fhp.co.uk

Demand for prime retail space continues with three further lettings at Victoria Centere, Nottingham, who are all set to open in time for Christmas.

International variety store brand Miniso have taken a unit of 2,100 sq ft on the upper mall opposite Tiger.  Established in 2013 in China, Miniso now trade from 79 countries.  Miniso opened their first store in the UK in November 2019 and the Nottingham store will be the 7^th store to open the UK.

Bestsellers are an established wholesaler of books, jigsaws and gifts based in Sheffield and have a growing retail estate.  They have taken a 2,800 sq ft store on the upper mall opposite House of Fraser.

Alan Pearson, Director of FHP commented:-

“We’re delighted to have attracted Miniso to Victoria Centre for their 7^th store in the UK, a deal that was concluded exactly 5 weeks from viewing to exchange.

We have seen growing demand from retailers throughout the year for prime retail locations and the latest three lettings, brings the total of new brands to open at Victoria Centre this year to fourteen, which clearly demonstrates growing market confidence following lifiting of lockdown three earlier this year.” 

Jewellers Austen & Blake, established in 2012, have taken a 500 sq ft store at the Clumber Street entrance into the centre opposite the recent letting to Laser Clinics, their 6^th UK store.  Austen & Blake offer a wide selection of diamond jewellery which can be customised to suit their clients requirements.

Jack Shakespeare at FHP commented:-

“It’s great to see activity continue to grow in the retail market.  All of these lettings are to strong regional brands who have been attracted to the centre by the quality of the retail offering and the strength of the centres footfall.”

For further information and leasing opportunites in Victoria Centre please contact Alan Pearson on 07876 396005 / alan@fhp.co.uk or Jack Shakespeare on 07817 924949 / jack@fhp.co.uk

FHP are pleased to have acted on behalf of Doughnotts in securing their fourth store, on High Road in Beeston, Nottingham.

The new store which was once a Thorntons and then a vape shop which fell victim to the pandemic, presented an ideal opportunity for Doughnotts to enter Beeston’s thriving town centre.

FHP have been working with Doughnotts for over 5 years now having acquired their stores in Leicester, Nottingham and Lincoln.  Doughnotts have a cult following across the region and have amassed a large social media following to boot, this latest store is a positive step and shows their growth aspirations as we come out of the pandemic.

Oliver Marshall who acted on behalf of Doughnotts at FHP commented:-

“Beeston is a fantastic location for the latest Doughnotts store.  The shop’s location and size with corner prominence is an ideal fit for the brand and the guys have pulled out all the stops with an incredible fit out.”

Wade Smith, Director of Doughnotts said:-

“We opened the fourth Doughnotts store in Beeston on Saturday 30^th October to a huge queue of people which was amazing to see.  We weathered the pandemic and have diversified with our delivery offering but we strongly believe in the high street and are keen to grow the number of stores we have.  We have loved working with Oliver at FHP on this one, the advice we have had over the years from FHP has really benefited us and we are looking forward to more exciting projects.”

Doughnotts currently have stores in Nottingham city centre, Leicester, Lincoln and now Beeston town centre.

They are actively seeking more opportunities across the Midlands, please send through any suitable details or suggestions to Oliver at FHP – 07887 787 885 or oliver@fhp.co.uk

Oliver adds:-

“This latest acquisition is just one of several deals we have completed in Beeston town centre during 2021.  Other deals include the acquisition of the former Durham Ox for The Pudding Pantry, the acquisition of the former William Hill for Mobile Lab along with the letting to Anatolia Turkish restaurant, and the soon to be completed letting of the former New Look.”

If you are an operator looking to grow your business and secure your first or more sites then please get in touch to find out how FHP could help.  Alternatively if you are a landlord looking to lease or sell a property then get in touch to discuss.

It will come as no surprise for me to say that the past 18 months have been an uncertain time for the high street, but it isn’t all doom and gloom, far from it in fact.  You will be pleased to hear that the high street isn’t “dying” like the media tries to make us all believe, it is rather “changing” or “repurposing”.  As we approach the end of the year, I thought it would be interesting to share some of my views on the trends I have witnessed in Derby’s retail and leisure sector over recent months.

Repurposing of City Centre Buildings

Freehold multi-storey retail properties have become increasingly popular with local investors.  Investors have become much more creative in finding ways to produce income from their assets and we are seeing a rising number of our clients convert upper floors of city centre retail properties into residential accommodation.  Not only does this repurpose vacant and redundant commercial buildings and bring more life to our high street, it also allows landlords to lower the rental values on the ground floor commercial space.

Increased Activity from Local Businesses

Since Covid-19 hit, we have witnessed a lot of activity at the smaller end of the retail and leisure market, particularly in units with rental values of £25,000 per annum and under, with the majority of enquiries/take-up coming from local independent businesses and new start-ups.  As a result of historically “expensive” high street rents becoming a thing of the past, these businesses who once couldn’t afford high street locations are now able to, which will begin to create a nice pairing with the larger brands occupying the shopping centres.

Business Rates

Business rates are still an issue for high street properties.  It would seem that although rents have decreased to a somewhat affordable level for smaller occupiers, rateable values have not followed suit.  I am finding that the rates payable on a property can often be its main cause of continuous vacancy, and although the further rates reduction announced in Rishi Sunak’s latest budget speech will be a big help for retail and hospitality businesses, it simply isn’t enough to encourage them to sign up to 5 – 10 year leases and create the longevity on the high street that it needs.

Regeneration

It would appear that the Derby high street is very convenience led at present.  I think this is partly due to the fact that the city lacks high specification central office buildings and city centre living.  Delivering these would create an influx of businesses/people walking the streets which would be hugely beneficial for Derby.  I am pleased to see that the city’s current regeneration projects seek to do this.  The steelworks are now out of the ground for phase 1 of Derby’s £200m Becketwell Regeneration, which is to include 259 build to rent apartments on the former Debenhams site.  Phase 2 will see the construction of a 3,500 capacity performance and conference venue, and future planned phases of the scheme include a range of other uses of the site, including Grade A offices and commercial space, a hotel and multi-storey car park.  This scheme will hugely revitalise this long neglected area and improve the overall vibrancy and attraction to the city.

Alongside this, I had the privilege of a personal tour around Derby’s Nightingale Quarter development by Wavensmere Homes.  Situated on the site of the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, the site offers a range of 1, 2 and 3 bedroom new build homes and apartments, available to both rent and buy.  I was pleasantly impressed by the quality of product and was pleased to hear that the development has received copious demand from local investors, young professionals and highly skilled workers, which again will positively impact activity in the city, being just a 5 minute walk away.

So what will the future high street actually look like?  I believe city centres are becoming mixed use destinations – spaces where people can live, shop, work, relax, learn and be entertained, all in one place.  Town and city centres have responded to challenge throughout their history and they can certainly do it again.

ENDS

Estée Coulthard-Boardman

2 November 2021

FHP are pleased to confirm the letting of the former Thomas Cook on Front Street in Arnold to Robert Ellis Estate Agents.

Robert Ellis have leased 78 Front Street which comprises accommodation of 1,265ft² at ground floor with a further 1,314ft² at first floor, on a long term basis that will see them establish themselves within the residential market in the area.

With only a short spell on the market, FHP are pleased to deliver an excellent result for the landlord following the closure of Thomas Cook and subsequent decision by Hays Travel not to retain the property during the pandemic.

Oliver Marshall at FHP Property Consultants commented:-

“This is a fantastic letting for both the landlord and the tenant after the property became available again.  The property has a highly prominent corner position on Front Street and is therefore perfectly suited for this use.”

Mark Philpott, Director of Robert Ellis said:-

“We are so pleased with the new shop in Arnold, we have been looking for space within the town to grow our patch further and when this property came up, it fit the bill perfectly.  We have carried out a complete overhaul of the property and now have a fantastic high end estate agents office setting the groundwork for us to establish ourselves in the area.”

 This letting follows a string of other deals completed in the town carried out by FHP showing the strength in the regional town market as we emerge out of the pandemic.  Other recent lettings have included the letting of 4 Front Street to Poundland which was the former Argos, the letting of 8 Croft Road to exciting new business Brown Bird Bakery, and the letting of 126 Front Street to Dessert Doctor.

Furthermore, FHP are pleased to confirm that 70 Front Street is currently under offer with completion imminent and the former Santander at 84 Front Street is also under offer with interest secured prior to any formal marketing of the property.

Oliver adds:-

“I have done several deals in Arnold this year and it is exciting to see that there is still strong interest post pandemic.  We have noticed that post pandemic people are still keen to support their local town’s retail provision especially the local independent operators.

The mix of tenants that we have carried out lettings to in Arnold is a good insight into what is happening across the country – there is a real quality combination of national, regional and emerging new businesses.  This all helps to create a destionation that people want to visit.  With more lettings to announce soon, we look forward to working with more landlords and tenants across Arnold and the rest of the Nottingham suburbs.”

If you are a landlord looking to lease or sell a property, or a tenant with a requirement, please get in touch with Oliver Marshall at FHP to discuss on the following contact details – 07887 787 885 or email oliver@fhp.co.uk.

FHP are pleased to confirm the letting of 42 Gracechurch Centre, Sutton Coldfield to Campana Ltd t/a Taco Bell.

Doug Tweedie commented “Great to see Taco Bell in the town, a real point of difference and apparently trading incredibly well which can only serve as good news to those we are hoping to bring to the centre in the near future.”

Relic x Hooked have grown from an online store with platforms like Instagram and Depop to three stores in 2021 with the help of Jack Shakespeare, Associate Director at FHP Property Consultants.

Relic’s journey started in the former phone repair store at Victoria Centre and they quickly outgrew and upsized into a 1,700ft² store on the upper mall in Nottingham’s prime shopping centre.

The Relic side of the business specialises in vintage clothing including sought after vintage designer wear from brands such as Stone Island, Burberry, Fendi, Moncler all the way through to your well known sports brands such as Nike, Adidas and everything in between.  Hooked originally formed in Birmingham specialising in sought after footwear and streetwear brands like Palace and Supreme and providing clients with some of the most hard to find sneakers on the market ranging from £100 to £2,000.  Combined they form a unique offering for the high street with the prime locations giving their customers confidence in the product and accessibility to an instore shopping experience elevated far beyond their competitors.

Following the success of the upsize at Victoria Centre, Jack Shakespeare at FHP Property Consultants acquired two further stores at Bullring and Leeds Trinity, both of which opened earlier this year.  Off to a flying start they are on the hunt for more stores in 2022.

In addition Anthony Barrowcliffe helped streamline their logistics and distribution by letting them a 2,342ft² unit in Colwick, Nottingham which has helped with their growing online business, stock preparation and sorting.

Connor from Relic said “Working with FHP over the last 2 years really allowed our business to grow at pace and the new stores are performing exceptionally well.  The industrial unit is key to our operational side of the business and with Jack’s ongoing support and advice, we look forward to opening many more stores.”

Jack Shakespeare commented “Working with Relic x Hooked has been an absolute pleasure, I love working with independents and helping to build something unique and new for the market.  It has been fantastic to see their growth in such a short period of time and look forward to working with them onwardly.”

For all round property advice or any further details, please contact FHP Property Consultants or Jack Shakespeare on 07817 924949 or email jack@fhp.co.uk.