Howdens joins Portobello mix

A Tyneside trade park has reached 98 per cent capacity after the latest letting by a leading Newcastle-based commercial property firm

Howdens, the UK’s largest designer and manufacturer of fitted kitchens and joinery products, has moved onto Portobello Trade Park in Birtley, from where it is operating a new 5,612 sq. ft depot after agreeing a 15-year lease.

The deal, which was brokered by the industrial agency team at Naylors Gavin Black, means only 1 of the 15 units remains available and the team behind the scheme hope to find their final tenant before the end of the year to complete the broad mix of occupiers.

The 6.5-acre site immediately adjacent the A1(M) was developed by Durham-based Ravensworth Property Developments, with support from the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and the European Regional Development Fund.

Existing tenants include Complete Office Solutions, All Seasons Leisure, Quantum Controls and Vow Europe.

Keith Stewart, partner at Naylors Gavin Black said: “We are very pleased to have completed the letting to Howdens which brings even greater diversity to this recently established trade park, which has proved to be very popular.

“The location provides great accessibility for customers and strong visibility for tenants, so we are confident that a tenant for the final unit will be signed up in the coming months.”

Ravensworth’s development manager, Geoff Clark, added: “We’re very proud to see Portobello Trade Park attract expanding businesses as we approach 100% occupancy. We were always confident that the scheme would be a success given its prominence and accessibility.

“Our thanks to Keith and all at Naylors Gavin Black, as well as joint agent HTA Real Estate, for their efforts in helping us secure such an excellent range of occupiers.”