Director Jeremy Symons, who negotiated the deal on behalf of Sofa Brands International comments, “Parker Knoll had been on the Amber Industrial Estate, Riddings for over 30 years. With the leases coming to an end and an imminent rebranding, there was a desire to have a building befitting their quality product. Cooke & Arkwright was instructed two-and-a-half years ago to identify alternative premises to relocate to, preferably within short distance of their existing facility in order to retain the workforce.
“After a number of false starts it was thought the best option was to have a brand new building in the preferred location of Castlewood Business Park. Occupiers at the business park, which was developed by Clowes Developments, include Cooperative Food, Midland Aerospace, Bombadier, Meridian and UDG.
“We negotiated a leasing package with Clowes for 20 years, to provide the ideal building for Parker Knoll, which includes numerous tailgate loading doors, superb office facilities, excellent circulation space and good headroom. The building plot selected also provides significant frontage onto the A38 allowing Parker Knoll to fully exploit its position and maximise brand awareness.
“The building project has taken 12 months and practical completion took place on 1 December 2015. Our clients are in the process of fitting out the building with every expectation of reaching full production by the end of January 2016. The new building will provide Parker Knoll with the premises that complement their brand whilst also permitting expansion of their soft furnishings production.”