Cooke & Arkwright supported AerFin, a global aviation support company, through a major relocation project to establish new headquarters in south Wales.
A comprehensive service was delivered that spanned property acquisition, fit-out management, and decommissioning of the previous facility.
The new AerFin headquarters at Indurent Park, Newport, was custom fitted to meet the brief for a highly efficient, collaborative, and future-ready workspace to enhance operational performance, support team interaction, and create an environment they could proudly showcase to clients and staff alike.
The Industrial Agency team at Cooke & Arkwright led the initial phase of relocation, firstly working to establish a clear set of objectives, before identifying a potential short list of options for consideration. This culminated in negotiating commercial terms and working through the legal process with our clients to secure the 116,000 square foot Grade A industrial unit selected for its sustainability credentials. The building features rooftop solar panels, EV charging points, efficient heating systems and rainwater harvesting, achieving a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’, placing it among the top 10 percent of UK buildings for sustainability.
Following acquisition, the Building Consultancy team at Cooke & Arkwright managed the fit-out process, coordinating a competitive tender process and scrutinising contractor submissions. Trefoil, a Welshbased contractor, was appointed in July 2024, aligning with AerFin’s desire to support local businesses and reinforce their roots in south Wales.
Together with Trefoil, Cooke & Arkwright worked closely with AerFin staff to develop tailored designs and 360-degree CGI walkthroughs, ensuring the final concept met operational and aesthetic goals. Despite a tight 20 week deadline, the project was delivered on time through collaborative effort and agile project management.
The fit-out presented several engineering challenges, including the installation of a gantry crane capable of lifting aircraft engines. Due to the nature of the building’s floor and foundations, the crane could not be fixed to the floor slab in the standard way and instead had to be mounted from the buildings steel frame. Cooke & Arkwright worked closely with structural engineers and crane fabricator to design and secure steel rails fixed to the building’s columns, an intricate solution delivered under pressure to meet a critical pre-Christmas installation deadline.
Ben Bolton, Head of Business Space at Cooke & Arkwright said, “This project is a great example of how our teams collaborate to deliver a complete solution for a client. From identifying the right building, negotiating commercial terms, managing the fit-out, to overseeing the exit from their previous site, we were proud to lead a process that was both technically complex and time-critical. It stands as a testament to our full-service approach and exemplifies ourcommitment to excellence and innovation in delivering complex property solutions, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and collaboration.”
Simon Bayliss, AerFin’s Chief Operating Officer said, “Cooke & Arkwright’s guidance during the commercial phase was invaluable. Their outstanding support throughout the fit-out and delivery stage was instrumental. This facility is a true game-changer for us - a space we’re proud to showcase and where our people are proud to work.”
AerFin’s new headquarters has doubled engine maintenance, repair and overhaul capacity, enabling the delivery of bespoke solutions for airlines worldwide. The project was completed in December 2024, with AerFin moving into the facility on 1st January 2025. Weekly progress meetings between AerFin and Trefoil, facilitated by Cooke & Arkwright, ensured the project remained on track and within budget. The team also continues to support AerFin, ensuring any post-handover issues are addressed.
In parallel, Cooke & Arkwright also managed the decommissioning of AerFin’s previous facility. This included negotiating dilapidations and ensuring the company vacated their old site by the deadline of March 2025. By offering a fully integrated solution, from acquisition and fit-out to exit strategy, Cooke & Arkwright delivered a seamless transition that minimised disruption and maximised value.
Cooke & Arkwright continues to support AerFin with future property plans. If you’re planning a relocation, refurbishment or need support with any aspect of your property strategy, get in touch with Cooke & Arkwright to find out how our expert teams can help.
