News

TWO NEW LETTINGS AT ST JOHNS RETAIL PARK

May 2009

The Howard Property Group who owns St Johns Retail Park in Bedford have reported the completion of two new leases on the site.

The retail park is home to Howard House, a landmark purpose-built building, which was originally constructed as the Group's headquarters. The high quality designed building consists of 4 floors and is also occupied by the Environment Agency.

A division of BskyB , Sky In House Service, have taken a new lease on the top floor totalling 1,959 sq ft net internal area which includes a large rooftop balcony area. BskyB have signed a 10 year deal which includes 10 car parking spaces. The self contained office space will be split into 4 main areas for meeting rooms and management offices plus a reception area. The area was completely refurbished by the Howard Group in 2008 creating executive office suites. BskyB are currently fitting out the area which is due for completion on May 22^nd. BskyB took over the unit at the beginnning of the month.

Edwina Crowley, Management Surveyor at the Howard Property Group, who handled the deal, commented; "We are delighted to have finalised this new letting at a difficult time in the market. Howard House occupies a prestigious location in the town and is an ideal match for BskyB's requirements. The offices will look very stylish once the final fit-out is complete."  

Solicitors for the landlords were Hewitsons of Cambridge and agents were Stimpsons Eves of Newport Pagnell.

Also on the retail park Steinhoff have agreed a new lease on Unit 5, totalling 10,025 sq ft, the lease runs until 2020. Steinhoff is the holding company for the group of retail, manufacturing and logistics companies. It's retail brands include The Bed Shop, Cargo, Harveys, Benson Beds and Sleepmaster.

St Johns Retail Park has a critical mass of approximately 130,000 sq ft and benefits from 453 free car parking spaces. Current tenants include Homebase, Halfords, Currys, Carpetright, Comet, Allied Carpets, PC World and Maplin. In February 2009 planning consent was granted to widen the existing consent for bulky goods usage to include, but not limited to, DIY, cycle and motor parts, electrical, carpets, soft furnishings, pets, child and baby goods, toys and a range of other uses within the adopted Local Plan.

Agents for the park are Savills Retail.