Speculative industrial build for Chester-le-Street

Local entrepreneur Liam Hunt expects to start construction on phase one of the 26,500 sq ft scheme in January, delivering seven units over an estimated 12-month programme.

Designed by Projekt Architects, phase one will comprise units measuring 1,000-2,300 sq ft, catering to small light industrial occupiers. A tender for the work will be put out shortly.

Phase two will follow after completion of the first phase, and will extend the industrial site into a mixed-use development.

Construction of phase two is expected to take 24 months, and this part of the site will have direct access to the Coast to Coast Cycle Route.

This part of the project will consist of a 25,000 sq ft unit, which along with a mezzanine level could create up to 50,000 sq ft of floor space to play with, which has already generated interest from a gym chain and a restaurant group.

Liam Hunt is managing director and owner of furniture manufacturer Ambic Manufacturing, which he acquired six years ago.

His move into commercial property has been supported by his participation in the government-funded Help to Grow: Management Course at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University.

He said: “We’re seeing significant demand for quality industrial space in the region, and this development will give local businesses room to grow.

“The ambition for the project, and in particular for phase two, is to create something different – a business environment that supports both work and wellbeing, while capitalising on our position on one of the UK’s most popular cycling routes.

“Before I joined the Help to Grow: Management Course, I was working in my businesses rather than on them.

“The structured thinking I developed helped me evaluate this opportunity properly – looking at the numbers, understanding the strategic fit, and ensuring it was a sustainable opportunity.”

The Help to Grow: Management Course is a 90% government-funded leadership programme for SME businesses, delivered by a network of Small Business Charter accredited business schools.