A NEW business park, occupying a five-acre site in Bradford's Rooley Lane, has become fully occupied in less than a year.

Developer Frank Marshall Estates claims the company has never experienced such a successful development in terms of the speed of letting in its 40-year history.

The 38,000 sq ft Newhall Business Park, the only speculative industrial development to be built in Bradford in recent years, has also created 120 sustainable new jobs.

The developers bought the site, part of Prologis Park, from Prologis for an undisclosed sum in 2016 and the development was built by Bradford-based construction company Percy Pickard Contractors.

Frank Marshall Estates is run by Edward and Jimmy Marshall.

Edward Marshall said: “We are tremendously excited at securing our final deal at Newhall Business Park which rewards our faith in developing it speculatively. To fill the whole park within a year is just amazing.

“The location was a factor, of course. Newhall occupies an exceptional position at the top of the M606 to the south of Bradford city centre and is just minutes away from the hub of Yorkshire’s excellent motorway network.

He added: “Our eight self-contained, high-quality units have proved to be ideal for businesses requiring small premises. The units, which range from 1,700 sq ft to 11,350 sq ft, have been adapted to occupiers’ needs and are equipped with the very best facilities and the latest technology. We set a new standard for industrial space in the area – and the area has responded magnificently.”

Jimmy Marshall added: “We are very proud of our Bradford heritage and believe strongly that this is a business park for Bradford. We have shown our confidence in the area by building the first speculative multi-let estate in recent years. We have also ensured that the contractors and sub-contractors on site are from the Bradford region.

“As the economy picks up after some difficult years, a number of smaller to medium-sized businesses are feeling more confident and are looking to consolidate and expand. Our new business units satisfied this pent-up demand.”

The rents for the industrial units will be in the region of £7.50 per sq ft, while the quoting office rent is £15 per sq ft.

Mike Haigh, partner with joint marketing agents Dove Haigh Phillips, said: “This has proved to be a prime development in a premier location and Frank Marshall Estates are to be congratulated on taking the brave – and successful – decision to develop the park speculatively.

Occupiers include Candy Hero Ltd, Wilkies, Kerry Logistics (UK), Kokoon Ltd, the MCD Group, Bear Metals and Eric Wright Civil Engineering.

Frank Marshall Estates themselves are moving their headquarters to the site from the nearby Link 606 Office Park in the summer, occupying the 17th century Grade II listed building which fronts Rooley Lane and was formerly the club house of West Bowling Golf Club.