Harworth set to trigger R-evolution11 Mar 2014 09:50
http://www.insidermedia.com/insider/yorkshire/110174-
Work on a key element of a development which is set to become Yorkshire's largest-ever mixed-use scheme is to start after Harworth Estates forward sold and secured infrastructure funding for the first speculative industrial project in the region for six years.
The funding will enable Harworth to begin development next month of 100,000 sq ft of industrial units on seven acres of land at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. The development, called R-evolution @ The AMP, received detailed planning consent in February 2014.
In two separate transactions Harworth has completed a forward-purchase agreement for the first phase of the development with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council for £4.3m and secured a £2.7m loan from the Sheffield City Region Joint European Support for Sustainable Investment in City Areas (JESSICA) Fund.
The forward-purchasing agreement will involve Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council taking ownership of R-evolution's first phase when it is completed in October 2014. Harworth will be responsible for building and leasing of the development.
The money from Sheffield City Region's JESSICA Fund, which was set up to support infrastructure and real estate investment opportunities across the region, will pay for infrastructure works and the construction of new manufacturing units at R-evolution.
Owen Michaelson, chief executive of Harworth Estates, said: "In a region where the availability of equivalent-quality stock is reducing, we expect to attract top-quality tenants, which will allow Rotherham to benefit from secure, long-term rental income from the development."
Paul Woodcock, director of planning, regeneration and culture at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, added: "The Advanced Manufacturing Park is synonymous globally with cutting edge expertise in advanced manufacturing technology, and as a result there is strong demand from high quality manufacturing businesses, who want to join the world-class companies already located here in Rotherham.
"The R-evolution project will provide opportunities for these businesses to grow at the AMP, both further enhancing the reputation of the Park and benefitting Rotherham through the creation of more high quality jobs and investment into the borough."
Richard Smith, a partner at hlw Keeble Hawson, acted for Harworth Estates. He said the project was an "encouraging sign of growing confidence and recovery" in the market.
R-evolution @ The AMP is located at Harworth's Waverley site which is being transformed into Yorkshire's largest-ever mixed-use development.
As well as the AMP, the scheme will incorporate a new community of 4,000 homes along with shops, restaurants, schools, leisure and community facilities and parks.