A new 6.7-acre business park about to open in Gloucestershire highlights a desperate need for good employment land in the county, according to commercial property experts Alder King.
Adrian Rowley, a partner at Gloucester-based Alder King, said Robert Hitchins’ forthcoming Innsworth Business Park off the A40 was exactly what was needed.
But he said the county was otherwise facing a shortage of potential new sites which could see it miss out on current opportunities.
‘There is very little employment land of this quality in Gloucestershire and elsewhere,’ said Rowley.
‘There has been a terrific take-up from national and regional hi-tech, manufacturing and distribution businesses over many years, but now there is a distinct shortage – larger than average in Gloucestershire – which is holding businesses back.’
A shift in how businesses operate had accelerated the challenge facing the county, he said.
‘Current demand has become far more immediate in terms of delivery times. A lot of requirements are for delivery of a building in 12 months and that’s because business models have changed during the pandemic with the massive shift to e-retail,’ said Rowley.
‘As retailers’ online presence has increased, they are establishing their own warehouses in strategic locations all over the UK.
‘In Gloucestershire businesses want three main things: immediate availability, good access, and the right location.’
By Andrew Merrell
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