BRACKNELL’S HP Enterprise base could soon become home to film production companies following the transformation of the site.
As the News reported in August, three groups are behind a joint venture to create a 350,000 sq ft business park at the Cain Road site after Hewlett Packard announced its departure.
READ MORE: Here's where Hewlett Packard Enterprise is moving to
The enormous space — named ‘Network West’ — is set to be split up to create 24 units for local, regional and national businesses to move into.
According to the business park’s owners, the site’s perks make it an ideal location for data centres or film production facilities.
(The proposals for Network West (CGI shown) are to speculatively build 350,000 sq ft of industrial, warehousing and logistics accommodation)
Real estate firm Hines is one of the three groups spearheading the site’s transformation.
Greg Cooper, Hines UK director of industrial and logistics, said: “With excellent motorway links and the ability to serve such a large proportion of the population, Network West provides a fantastic opportunity for businesses looking to either expand or relocate their operations.
“The site’s wider appeal to data centre users and film production companies, a number whom have already enquired about bespoke facilities, is another avenue we are exploring.”
READ MORE: Why is HP moving out of Bracknell Forest?
Developers Chancerygate is another of the groups involved in the redevelopment scheme, alongside Credit Suisse Asset Management Global Real Estate.
Chancergate’s head of development, Alastair King, said: “Our proposed development will be the largest we have built and reflects the confidence we have in the market for industrial and warehousing space, which is driven by particularly strong demand from potential occupiers in this region.
“The fact that so many online retailers have taken up additional warehousing space over recent months to alter their supply chains has reduced supply.
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“As a specialist in speculative development, the combination of an appealing site and a healthy dynamic between supply and demand created the perfect opportunity for us to play to our strengths alongside our joint venture partners.”
A planning application to knock down the existing buildings at the site and replace them with warehouses and industrial spaces designed for the business park was validated by Bracknell Forest Council in July.
The council is yet to make a decision on the plans, however.
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