Ward Group Investments sets up industrial arm
Seeding TradeSpaces with a seven-site portfolio comprising 1m sq ft across 100 acres, the investment group wants to grow that to 20 sites over the next two years, covering industrial and open storage.
The Durham-based Ward Group said that TradeSpaces will look to establish a UK-wide portfolio of high-quality industrial spaces and industrial open storage sites.
The move comes on the back of WGI’s recent acquisition from Eggerton of the 35-acre Tursdale Business Park in County Durham where an upgrade programme is now underway.
Operating through a vertically integrated model, TradeSpaces will manage every stage in-house – from acquisition, investment and development through to letting and ongoing property management.
Acquisitions are sought in prime locations. Pledges made by the group are that its sites will provide high security and a straightforward move-in process, with flexible space options designed to support tenants as their requirements change.
Chief executive Andrew Ward said: “The UK market is seeing significant demand for well-located industrial open storage and operational space, yet the supply of high-quality, secure facilities remains limited.
“IOS is a vital but underserved sub-sector of the industrial property market, playing a crucial role in supporting industries such as construction, logistics and manufacturing.
“TradeSpaces is uniquely positioned to address this supply gap and capitalise on the considerable growth potential in the sector.”
The business continues to be active in other sectors, last year buying grade two-listed property close to Grey’s Monument in Newcastle city centre.
