01/07/2019

Demand for high tech workplaces is defying the gloom about Brexit according to Scott Harkness from Carter Jonas. But he said Brexit remains a major concern. Mr Harkness, head of commercial at the property consultancy, sponsor of our Oxford Social events, has given his thoughts on the commercial property market in 2019, picking out critical growth sectors, regions and his predictions. He writes: “Life sciences will continue to be a critical growth sector for the UK and substantial steps have

01/07/2019

Significant office lettings could be in the pipeline at the latest new building in Basing View among a number of developments at the 65-acre business park in Basingstoke. Basing View has teamed up with Thames Tap to become one of our Valley Voices and the newest scheme unveiled there is the Florence Building (pictured below), a 65,000 sq ft development by Abstract Securities which completed this summer and is being marketed by Savills and Rare. Project director Kate Dean said: “I understand

01/07/2019

Paul Lewis, regional director for new Thames Tap partner Segro plc, has managed Slough Trading Estate for more than 18 years. He explains the reasons he is cautiously optimistic for 2019. Last year was a good one for businesses on the Slough Trading Estate. More than 350 enterprises of every size are based here, working across diverse sectors – from automotive and IT, to food production and pharmaceuticals. They range from small start ups to global leaders – housing a rich mix of talent and

12/10/2018

The delayed draft Local Plan for South Oxfordshire goes before councillors this week but there are concerns over whether the county can now meet its housing target. In May, South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) asked officers to reassess all its main sites for housing after controversy, particularly around the allocation of Chalgrove Airfield. Now, although three new sites – Grenoble Road, Bayswater Brook and Northfield - have been added, SODC expects to deliver fewer homes over the plan

12/06/2018

Karen Jones, partner in Blandy & Blandy's planning & environmental law team, reviews the latest situation regarding the Government's Road Investment Strategy 2 and the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway in the light of a likely judicial review. The Government announced in 2015 that it was preparing its Road Investment Strategy 2 and that studies were required to identify the right investment decisions. One such strategic study was in respect of the Oxford to Cambridge expressway. A consultation by

01/08/2019

With both office and industrial take up down in 2018, the growth in science & technology requirements has been the story of the year in Oxfordshire. A report by consultants VSL & Partners on the county’s commercial property market for 2018 shows that while both office and industrial take up fell by 35 per cent last year, the proportion of industrial space taken by the science and technology sector more than doubled to 65 per cent. The drop in take up follows a 10-year high in 2017. Supply in

01/08/2019

LSH has appointed Dominic Faires as head of agency in its Maidenhead office. Mr Faires was previously national acquisitions and asset manager at Northgate and, in total, has more than 16 years commercial experience. He will be working alongside Cliff Jackson who is returning after a period of convalescence. Mr Jackson said: “‘I am delighted to be returning to the LSH Maidenhead team to concentrate on corporate real estate projects, whilst supporting Dominic in his exciting new role heading up

01/07/2019

Despite the constant shenanigans in Westminster as we grind towards March 29 and the subsequent vacuum created by this lack of direction in Parliament, we have taken the view that one thing is constant, and that is change. For the brave and the bold in the property sector, this atmosphere of change will create a seam of opportunity which will form the basis for the next property cycle. We believe the Thames Valley is ideally located to benefit. In 2019, the agenda for UK Property Forums will