Bouncing back after Buncefield

Hemel Hempstead has experienced a significant increase in industrial and warehouse activity this year, reversing a period of slow trading. One reason for the stronger performance,“ said SEGRO’s Chris Davies, ”is the town’s wide industrial and logistics base, from local businesses to national distribution companies, as well as a broad range of available units from small sizes to 37,160 sq.metres (400,000 sq.ft.).”

Of particular importance was the letting by SEGRO of 8,198 sq.metres (88,250 sq.ft.) to Gyron Internet, the specialist data centre provider at 150 Maylands Avenue, which, together with Boundary Way, forms the heart of the industrial market in Hemel. Brasier Freeth and CB Richard Ellis acted for SEGRO.

One of the reasons for the deal was SEGRO’s specialisation in power, fibre and security needs of the industry. This has led to the property company becoming one of the largest providers of data centre properties in the UK.

To cope with Gyron’s needs, SEGRO has provided an enhanced resilient 8MVA power supply to meet specialist requirements as well as refurbishment to make the property suitable for a high tech company.

While 150 Maylands Avenue is the centre piece of the Maylands Woods Estate, there has also been increasing demand for purpose built units on SEGRO’s adjoining Vision site in the past year, with units let to Maritrans , South Midlands Hire and Centre Stage. Davies said: “Activity in Hemel Hempstead has remained robust this year, despite the difficult economic environment. The significant letting to Gyron highlighted SEGRO’s knowledge and expertise in delivering highly specified requirements for data centre occupiers, but also reflected the increasing strength of the local market.”

Two other deals reflect the improvement in Hemel. Through Lambert Smith Hampton, Kaiser & Kraft have leased an office at Zodiac 5 and the Serviced Office Group has taken on 3,041 sq.metres (32,735 sq.ft.) at Westside in Apsley. Lambert Smith Hampton’s Claire Madden said: “As demand for space continues we are confident that Westside will attract a lot of interest from office occupiers.”