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2019 Kent Property Market
Cover: Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
Chapel Down Winery opened its new
state-of-the art brewery and visitor
centre, Curious Brewery in Ashford town
centre in May 2019. The brewery includes
a shop, tasting area, bar and restaurant.
Photo: Curious Brewery / Ashley Gendek Photography Limited
04 10 16
Caxtons’ Property Market Outlook Industrial and Distribution Performance Rural Performance
While the UK economy has succeeded in The weakness of sterling driven by It is remarkable how resilient the farmland
withstanding a significant level of Brexit Brexit uncertainty has assisted exporting market has been this year, report Savills.
related uncertainty over recent years, recent manufacturing companies to an extent,
intensification is taking its toll on activity. but confidence and business investment 20
remains weak. This has not been reflected Residential Performance
06 in the industrial and logistics sectors which According to analysis for this report by
Business Park Performance continue to deliver robust returns. Hometrack, Kent markets have generally
Despite the uncertain political and economic outperformed the south east average with
backdrop, the business park market in the 12 price growth of 0.18% over the 12 months
south east has proved relatively buoyant Retail Performance to end of July. This compares with growth
over the last year, contrasting with a more Vacant units are gradually being absorbed of 2.1% for the UK as a whole.
subdued previous 12 month period. and independent retailers and restaurants
are expanding their presence on the county’s
08 high streets, facilitated by the nationwide rent
Office Performance rebase of recent years. Leisure uses are
The ongoing expansion of agile working also seeing growth across the county, again
and freelancing has brought further serviced mirroring a nationwide trend reported by
office space provision to the county. Local Data Company.
02
Welcome
An introduction to the 28th edition
of the Kent Property Market Report,
produced by Kent County Council’s
Economic Development Division,
Caxtons and Locate in Kent.
04
Ashford Designer Outlet:
The expansion brings 500 jobs and 50
new fashion, food and homeware brands,
a new food piazza and a redesigned,
07 interactive children’s play area.
The HUB at Kent Science Park, Photo: Ashford Designer Outlet
Sittingbourne, opened this Spring.
Photo: Kent Science Park
Kent County Council, Medway Council Locate in Kent Contributory Sponsors’
& Kent’s District Council Commentary Commentary Articles
14 22 52
Leisure and Tourism Performance Inward Investment Clague Architects
The most recent Cambridge Economic Impact Model analysis Locate in Kent, the official invest-
showed that in 2017 the county welcomed a record 65 million visitors, ment promotion agency for Kent 53
an increase of five million visitors on 2015 which included over one and Medway, review some recent Cripps Pemberton Greenish
million international visitors for the first time. market trends and highlight notable
investment projects in the county. 54
24 DHA Planning
Infrastructure and Regeneration
Kent County Council, Medway Council and Kent’s District Councils 55
commentary on infrastructure and regeneration. Handelsbanken
50 56
Green Infrastructure MHA MacIntyre Hudson
Exemplar projects from Low Carbon Kent to sustainable urban
drainage systems. 57
The O’Keefe Group
58
RICS
14 23
Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Hotel
& Reserve, near Hythe.
The Copper Rivet distillery is set in a
magnificent Victorian Pump House on
Strategic Developments,
Photo: Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve Chatham Dockyard. Contacts and
Photo: Locate in Kent
Acknowledgements
60
Strategic Developments
Location map and list of develop-
ments by use class across Kent and
Medway with contact details.
63
Contact details
64
Acknowledgements
35
Proposal for Canterbury Riverside
from riverfront.
Photo: Link City
Kent Property Market Report 2019 01
Proposal for Clifton Slipways, Gravesend. Photo: Quinn Estates 02 Kent Property Market Report 2019
Welcome Welcome to the 28th Edition of the Kent Property Kent County Council’s Economic Development
Market Report. Division works with public, private and voluntary
sectors to support economic growth by encouraging
The report is produced by Kent County Council, and supporting businesses; working closely with
Caxtons and Locate in Kent. specific sectors to promote growth and finding ways
to fund business critical infrastructure and unlocking
The Caxtons Property Market Analysis reviews key development sites.
property deals and activity during 2018-19 and covers:
• Business parks Locate in Kent provides a comprehensive,
• Offices confidential and free business relocation and
• Industrial advisory service for all companies looking to
• Retail relocate to or expand in Kent and Medway.
• Housing
The producers of the report thank sponsors and
Locate in Kent provide details of the 70 companies contributors to the report:
helped last year to set up, move or expand in Kent • Clague Architects
and Medway, creating 1,665 jobs over 3 years and • Cripps Pemberton Greenish
retaining 1,960 jobs. • DHA Planning
• Handelsbanken
The Infrastructure and Regeneration section • MHA MacIntyre Hudson
features current and planned developments. • The O’Keefe Group
It focusses on Kent’s growth areas, continuing • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
regeneration of Kent’s coastal towns, rural property,
tourism and green infrastructure as well as significant We hope you find the report useful and informative.
investment in road and rail infrastructure.
The Strategic Developments pages feature a
comprehensive list of sites, useful contact details Mike Whiting
and a location map. Cabinet Member for Economic Development,
Kent County Council
The full report can also be found at:
www.kentpropertymarket.com
Caxtons Chartered Surveyors, established in 1990,
is one of the largest independent property practices Ron Roser
in the South East offering a full range of agency, Chairman, Caxtons
management, professional and surveying services
across all property sectors.
Gavin Cleary
Chief Executive, Locate in Kent Ltd
Kent Property Market Report 2019 03
Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
Components of All Property IPF total return
Caxtons’ Property
0.9%
forecast for UK Commercial Property
Market Outlook Annualised average over period 2019-2023
Rental growth 0.5%
UK All Property annualised total return forecast 2019 Capital return -0.8%
Source: Investment Property Forum Survey of Independent Total return 4.0%
Forecasts for UK Commercial Property, August 2019 Source: Investment Property Forum Survey of Independent
Forecasts for UK Commercial Property, August 2018.
Forecasts derived from 24 leading fund/investment management houses and consultancies.
While the UK economy has succeeded in withstanding a On the domestic front, consumer spending has remained
PHOTO: MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLET
significant level of Brexit related uncertainty over recent years, relatively resilient despite the uncertainty. Record levels of
recent intensification is taking its toll on activity. The Bank of employment have contributed to this outcome, although
England’s average of independent forecasts indicates GDP with real incomes continuing to exhibit slow growth, the
growth of 1.3% for 2019, well below the long term trend, with a potential for an expansion in spending currently remains
more subdued 1.2% expansion in 2020. This said, all forecasts relatively mute even with a Brexit settlement.
are currently accompanied by a plethora of scenarios and
caveats given the current unique circumstances. Kent’s business park sector is looking ahead of the current
turmoil. Established parks such as Kings Hill have seen robust
Business investment has proved a casualty of this lettings activity, while the county’s science and technology
uncertainty, compounded by a downturn in inward offering is developing rapidly with growth plans at Kent
investment into the UK. Of course, the direction of Brexit Science Park, Discovery Park and Kent Medical Campus.
travel may be clearer by the time of the publication of this The rapid expansion of technology and life sciences over
report, but domestic issues are not the only concerns for the coming years will present tremendous opportunity.
the UK economy. The global outlook is also less positive But success will depend on attracting top talent as well
with the emergence of trade barriers in the US slowing as businesses across the spectrum, from start-ups to the
growth in China and weak Eurozone growth. established. This year’s addition of further innovation space
to the county’s existing supply will support this ambition. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Ashford.
PHOTO: DISCOVERY PARK
Nationally, office market total returns have slipped over the Kent prime yields
last year due to outward shifts in yields, despite occupier Industrial Multi-let Industrial Distribution Offices Business Parks
activity remaining relatively buoyant. Kent has seen values 10
remain stable, with robust demand and supply shortages
driving rental growth, underpinning values. The county’s 9.0
towns with a critical mass of stock have seen greater activity,
including increased representation of knowledge-based 8.0
industries. Strategies to boost creative industries as part of
% Yield
the Thames Estuary Production Corridor will further support 7.0
high value jobs growth.
6.0
The delivery of new housing will be crucial to support these
ambitions. While Kent remains relatively affordable on a south 5.0
east basis, this value is increasingly being recognised, driving
H1 2013
H2 2013
H1 2014
H2 2014
H1 2015
H2 2015
H1 2016
H2 2016
H1 2017
H2 2017
H1 2018
H2 2018
H1 2019
demand, particularly in the county’s commuter towns. The
new settlements coming forward over the coming decades are
Discovery Park, Sandwich. being supplemented in the short term by a supply of exciting Source: Caxtons
04 Kent Property Market Report 2019
town centre housing. This will be crucial in the development
of strong economic ecosystems over the long term.
This ecosystem approach will be essential in helping to
re-purpose some of the county’s town centres facing the
consequences of retail structural change. While some retailers
maintain expansion plans, they are opportunistic in their
strategies, while vacant space moves increasingly to leisure
uses and independents. This said, new space is welcomed
by retailers and communities alike. This last year has seen a
number of new additions, ranging from out of town space at
Estuary View, Whitstable, to town centre provision at Elwick
Place, while the expansion of McArthurGlen Designer Outlet,
Ashford, will further enhance the trend.
Over the last couple of years, Kent’s industrial sector has
gained a place on the institutional investor radar, driven by
relatively affordable rents in a south east context, excellent
accessibility and strong occupier demand. The last
12 months has seen increased investment and development
activity by many of the funds, in addition to national
developers. This will bring forward much needed stock to
both the distribution and industrial market in the county.
At a national level the Investment Property Forum (IPF)
Survey of Independent Forecasts suggests total returns will
average 0.9% for 2019, driven by weakening rents and falling
capital values. In this context, the Caxtons’ Prime Yield Series
UK total return IPF consensus forecasts
Office Industrial Standard Retail Retail Warehouse All Property
8
6 demonstrates Kent has performed well, assisted by perceptions The IPF Survey suggests total returns to investors on a UK
4
of relative value offered by the county. However, the market wide basis will be around 4% over the period 2019/23, down
has been challenged by a shortage of investment stock, a on that estimated last year. As with economic forecasts at
2 common theme across the property sectors in this report. present, the uncertainty associated with these expectations
is significant and is subject to the Brexit outcome.
% Per annum
0
In the 28 year history of this report, never has it been
-2 more challenging to look ahead. Clearly, the resolution of Kent’s strategic position for trade into Europe, combined with
Brexit would have positive implications, including business the accessibility to London and other south east economic
-4
investment which typically drives expansion and relocation, centres will underpin future potential and provide the county
-6 2019 2020 2021 driving activity in the industrial and office markets. with some protection from this difficult market. Affordability
Notwithstanding the income challenges facing households and the quality of life offer will remain an important driver
Source: Investment Property Forum Survey of Independent Forecasts noted earlier, greater certainty will also provide a much for business and household decision-making, and will
for UK Commercial Property, August 2019. Forecasts derived from
24 leading fund/investment management houses and consultancies needed fillip for the residential market. transcend the current predicament.
Kent Property Market Report 2019 05
Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
Business Park
Performance 19%
Increase in Kings Hill prime rent over last 5 years
Source: Caxtons
14%
Increase in the average prime Kent business park
rent over last 3 years
Source: Caxtons
Despite the uncertain political and economic backdrop, the In April, planning permission was granted for Maidstone Looking ahead there is consent for 12,000m2 (129,000ft2)
business park market in the south east has proved relatively Borough Council’s proposed Innovation Centre at Kent new build accommodation. However, the site is also the
buoyant over the last 12 months, contrasting with a more Medical Campus, as part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone. focus of a wider application as part of the Quinn Estates’ new
subdued previous 12 month period. The Kent market mirrors The (3,437m2 (37,000ft2) Innovation Centre, designed by settlement Highsted Park. The plans include the delivery of
this picture with key lettings occurring across the county’s Bond Bryan Architects, is under construction and will provide 36.8ha (91 acres) of new business space to double the size
parks. Caxtons’ average prime business park rent grew by flexible office space, facilities and business support for SMEs of Kent Science Park and turn it into an international bio-
nearly 3% in the year to June 2019. working in the life science, healthcare and med-tech sectors. gateway for life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Completion is due in 2021. In January, the Campus saw the A new motorway junction and link road between the M2 and
Alongside professional services and other traditional opening of the 65 bedroom Cygnet Hospital Maidstone, A2 would be provided as part of the scheme.
occupiers, high growth, knowledge intensive businesses while construction is underway on a 24-hour care home for
in the areas of life sciences, tech and creative industries Care UK. The Campus has an existing consent for 98,000m2 Over the last 12 months Kings Hill achieved over 9,383m2
are growing in their presence on Kent’s business parks. (1.05m ft2) of commercial space (101,000ft2) of transactions involving nine tenants, including
This reflects the national picture, assisted by a supportive Kent’s largest letting of 4,800m2 (51,666ft2) at 50 Kings
government agenda. It is translating into lettings activity At Kent Science Park a 2,323m2 (25,000ft2) bespoke Hill Avenue to COVEA Insurance. Other significant lettings
and robust demand in locations that offer the crucial mix manufacturing facility for an existing tenant was completed included 1,347m2 (14,500ft2) in 2 Kings Hill Avenue to FLIR
of skilled labour and quality accessible business space. in 2018 and the £2m Hub was opened this spring. This Systems and 762m2 (8,203ft2) in 6 Alexander Grove to Millwood
building provides new cafeteria and conference facilities Designer Homes. Further transactions include Cabot Financial
This was illustrated by the arrival of Concept Life Sciences on for the growing number of hi-tech tenants on the park. (UK), Woodgate & Clark, Onwave UK, Marsh Corporate
Discovery Park in June. The company occupied a purpose
built, state-of-the-art clinical and niche commercial facility. Business park rents Kent average prime business park rent
Pfizer also announced in June 2019 a £5m investment 2016 2017 2018 2019
to enhance the company’s patient-centric design and 450 250
manufacturing capability for paediatric medicines in clinical 400 240
trials. This investment is the latest in a series of investments 350
Pfizer has made in advanced manufacturing technology at 300
230
Discovery Park, totalling £36m since 2018 and leading to 250 220
£ per m²
expansion at the park and 80 new scientific jobs. Meanwhile
£ per m²
200
in July, YPrime, a clinical trial management business, opened 210
150
its first base outside the US, on the Park. Overall, Discovery 100 200
Park concluded lettings on over 3,716m2 (40,000ft2) of 50 190
manufacturing, laboratory and office space in the first 0
eight months of 2019. Current availability includes the 180
Eureka Park
Chatham
Maritime
Crossways
Kings Hill
Business Park,
Basingstoke
Arlington
Business Park,
Reading
Stockley Park,
Heathrow
Chineham
23,226m2 (250,000ft2) Building 500 offering flexible office 170
and laboratory space from 186m2 (2,000ft2) and Building
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518, a 22,297m2 (24,000ft2) high grade GMP cleanroom
manufacturing facility. Source: Caxtons Source: Caxtons
06 Kent Property Market Report 2019
Lettings
Location Landlord/Vendor Tenant/Purchaser Floorspace ft2 Rent (pa) Lease term Agent
35 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill Liberty Property Cabot Financial 10,994 – 10 years Altus Group / Knight Frank /
Business Park, West Malling Hanover Green
21a Bailey Drive, Threadneedle Camfil 36,200 £7.00 psf 10 years with a break at year 5. Caxtons
5 month rent free and a further 3 months in
Gillingham Business Park year 6 if break not exercised.
Part 4, Abbey Wood Road, Kings Hill, Liberty Property Onwave 6,887 – 10 years Altus Group
West Malling
Sales
Location Landlord/Vendor Purchaser Floorspace ft2 Capital value Agent
Unit 4, Glenmore Centre, Ashford Private landlord uPVC window retailer 1,981 £235,000 / £118 psf Stafford-Perkins
PHOTO: KENT SCIENCE PARK
Services, Version 1 Software UK, Mezzanine International,
Underwood Carpenter and NMU (Speciality) Ltd. This has
produced evidence of rental growth across the business park.
Crossways Business Park, Dartford, has seen key lettings over
the last 12 months. Diebold Nexdorf (UK) Ltd, specialising in
financial and retail technology, took the 2,374m2 (25,557ft2)
Gf Radius building. Meanwhile, in July, Bellway completed
the lease of the 1,392m2 (14,983ft2) Drake House.
Eureka Park, Ashford, currently comprises 2,7871m2
(300,00ft2) over its 38ha (94 acres), with consent for a further
100,000m2 (1.2m ft2). The park is fully let but there are design
and build opportunities in buildings ranging from 929-
2,323m2 (10,000- 25,000ft2).
At Gillingham Business Park, Lloyds Bank have closed their
office facility. The park is now almost fully let but with further
Design & Build opportunities.
A common theme across the property sectors is a relatively
quiet investment market. The business park sector is no
exception. The 1,471m2 (15,837ft2) Sargasso House, Five
Arches Business Estate, Sidcup, was sold at asking price for
£3.155m (NIY 8.75%) to Bexley Borough Council. Radius,
on Crossways Business Park, was marketed for £10.9m (NIY
7.7%) while 1500 Eureka Park, is on the market for £9.31m
(NIY 8.00%). The quoting price for the 2,515.61m2 (27,078ft2)
Whatman House, 20/20 Business Park, Allington is £6.25m. The HUB at Kent Science Park, Sittingbourne, opened this Spring.
Kent Property Market Report 2019 07
Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
Office Performance
85%
Increase in the Gravesend prime office rent
over last three years
35%
Increase in the average prime Kent office rent
over last five years
Caxtons Caxtons
PHOTO: DRAGON COWORKING
Office sector take-up across the South East has slowed Office rents
over the last year with uncertainty weighing on business 2016 2017 2018 2019
decision making. While Kent’s town centre office market has
350
seen a number of key lettings over the last year, it continues
300
to struggle with a shortage of quality new space. Activity
remains biased towards local business growth, and smaller 250
£ per m²
floorspace lettings, driven largely by the supply available. 200
Evidence from the wider M25 office market demonstrates 150
burgeoning requirements from larger companies, particularly 100
in knowledge intensive business sectors, both local and 50
more widely. Such activity has been limited by a shortage of 0
the prime town centre space favoured by some sectors of
Ashford
Canterbury
Dartford
Dover
Folkestone
Gravesend
Maidstone
Medway
Sevenoaks
Sittingbourne
Tunbridge Wells
Tonbridge
Thanet
the knowledge industry. This shortage has contained rental
growth in some locations. The average Caxtons’ prime office
rent grew by 4% over the 12 months to June 2019, reaching
an average of £182m2 (£16.90ft2). Those centres able to
offer new accommodation such as Canterbury, Ashford and Source: Caxtons
Maidstone are seeing greater activity. This is illustrated by Dragon Coworking, Rochester, Chatham.
Golding Homes taking 2,201m2 (23,690ft2) at County Gate
One in Maidstone on a 20-year lease. 1,995m2 (21,500ft2) of flexible office space following a Kent average prime office rent
£1.1m refurbishment programme.
The potential to broaden the occupier base where there 190
is the offer of quality new space is evidenced at Connect A number of higher rental value towns in the county have
180
38 in Ashford. The development, completed last year, saw seen little activity due to the dearth of town centre supply,
170
the arrival of PageSuite, providing cloud based publishing constraining rental growth. These include Sevenoaks
solutions taking 557m2 (6,000ft2), while Tarkett, Hollis and and Tunbridge Wells, in demand by smaller occupiers. 160
Towergate took a further 1,022m2 (11,000ft2) between them. Such locations remain popular for a range of occupiers 150
£ per m²
Similarly, infrastructure company VooServers with global from the creative industries to the finance sector. In March, 140
operations, moved to a newly completed headquarters at First Title Insurance took 549m2 (5,909ft2) at ECA Court,
130
Vinters Business Park in Maidstone. South Park, Sevenoaks.
120
The ongoing expansion of agile working and freelancing Despite the supply shortages across Kent, there is relatively 110
has brought further serviced office space provision to the little town centre office space coming forward in the short 100
county. In July, Helix Property announced their acquisition term. Longer term, U+I is part-funding the purchase of the
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of Kestrel House and Knightrider House, both located close 4.86 ha (12 acre) Newtown Works site in Ashford, with Quinn
to Maidstone West station, with plans for BizSpace to provide Estates. The scheme submitted for planning consideration in Source: Caxtons
08 Kent Property Market Report 2019Lettings
Location Landlord/Vendor Tenant Floorspace ft2 Rent (pa) Lease term Agent
County Gate One, Stacey’s Street, Private Golding Homes 23,690 £24.55 psf 20 years Martine Waghorn/
Maidstone GVA
Wellington Gate, Tunbridge Wells Hermes Investments Inter Quest Group Ltd 4,000 £110,000 pax 10 year FRI. Broadlands Commercial
£27.50 psf review/break at 5th Property Agents Ltd
Suite 1, Grnd Floor, 10 Conqueror Court, London & County We Care Physiotherapy Ltd 1,041 £18,738 5 years Harrisons/Caxtons
Staplehurst Rd, Sittingbourne
9, Waterside Court, Dartford DLC I-Cube 5,256 £21.15 psf 5 years Altus Group
Sales
Location Landlord/Vendor Purchaser Floorspace ft2 Capital value Agent
Kestrel and Knightrider Houses, Kestrel-Milroy Holdings Helix Property 22,470 £4.15m Martine Waghorn
Maidstone Knightrider-Private
Lonsdale Gate, Lonsdale Gdns, Threadneedle Penshurst (special ventures Ltd) 9,600 £3.05m Durlings
Tunbridge Wells
Apollo House, Chapel Place, Ramsgate Gen 2 Property Meir Goldberg 6,950 £730,000 Harrisons
171 Beaver Road, Ashford Addaction AAA Premier Group Ltd 1,931 £401,000 Freehold sale BTF
PHOTO: MARTINE WAGHORN
October with plans for a mixed-use space, including TV/film which will include the creation of a new commercial quarter
studio and production floorspace. The growth of such creative with 1,858m2 (20,000ft2) of new space.
jobs will be aided by a commitment, announced in January,
by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to develop While investment activity has been relatively slow, local
the Thames Estuary Production Corridor as the world’s largest authorities remain active, with a number of new assets
creative corridor. This includes an award of £4.3m funding purchased over the last 12 months, including Connect 38
into a £6.7m programme to the University of Kent and the in Ashford. The 7,432m2 GIA (80,000ft2) building was sold
establishment of Estuary Works, which will provide creative by Quinn Estates and George Wilson Holdings to Folkestone
workspaces for creative and digital businesses in clusters like and Hythe District Council in March for £17m.
Margate and Chatham Dockyard. Plans for the provision of
creative space in Ramsgate are also being investigated in a Heather Court, a 2,903m2 (31,254ft2) office on Maidstone
project by Locate in Kent, Arts Council England and Heritage Road, Sidcup is currently being marketed with the benefit of
Lab. This will add to the county’s innovation space which also a residential planning consent, while the 1,390m2 (14,963ft2)
includes the evolving Coachworks scheme near the Ashford Progressive House, on the same road was sold for residential
International station. Further information on page 33. use. However, generally the loss of office stock to residential
use through Permitted Development rights has slowed,
Elsewhere in the county, Quinn Estates received planning driven by a diminishing supply of obvious conversion targets
consent in April for a mixed-use scheme at Eddington Park, and office stock shortages in many towns raising rental
Herne Bay, to include 3,793m2 (40,828ft2) of office space. expectations.
The same developer has plans at Bardell Wharf in Rochester, Kestrel House, Maidstone.
Kent Property Market Report 2019 09Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
Industrial and
Distribution
Performance 67%
Increase in the Medway prime industrial rent
over last three years
11%
Increase in the average prime Kent industrial
rent over last 12 months
Caxtons Caxtons
The weakness of sterling driven by Brexit uncertainty has of increase is ahead of the other property sectors in the Industrial and distribution rents
assisted exporting manufacturing companies to an extent, county over the last 12 months, while CoStar analysis finds 2016 2017 2018 2019
but confidence and business investment remains weak. the county has outperformed nationally since 2014. Robust
120
However, this has not been reflected in the industrial and take-up has driven space shortages, leaving Kent with the
logistics property sectors, which continue to deliver second lowest vacancy rate in the UK in Q2, according to 100
robust returns. CoStar. The largest letting was Unit K, Springhead Enterprise 80
£ per m²
Park, Northfleet, where 13,091m2 (140,900ft2) was let to 60
In Kent, both the industrial market and big box logistics have Berryworld Limited. Mid Kent Business Park, Snodland,
40
seen pressure on available space. The Caxtons’ average saw DSG Retail take a 15 year lease on 7,058m2 (75,972ft2).
Kent industrial rent rose to £990 per m2 (£92 per ft2), with 20
growth of almost 11% over the year to June 2019. This pace Despite anxieties of Brexit driven food stockpiling, the cold 0
store market has not seen an upturn in demand. Fresh &
Ashford
Canterbury
Dartford
Dover
Folkestone
Gravesend
Maidstone
Medway
Sevenoaks
Tunbridge Wells
Tonbridge
Thanet
Sittingbourne
PHOTO: GEORGE WILSON DEVELOPMENTS
Wild took the 2,311m2 (24,879ft2) Sondix House, Sandpit
Lane, Dartford, but this formed part of a wider strategy.
Overall, there has been little space released back to the
market, although John Parker & Son, one of the largest steel
stockholder and processors in the UK, who occupy a large Source: Caxtons
unit at Maybrook Retail Park, is facing administration.
Given the shortage of sites, an increase in construction Kent average prime industrial
activity across the county is welcomed, with both national and distribution rent
and south east developers now represented in Kent. 90
Chancerygate is particularly active with schemes at
85
Sidcup, Crossways, Tonbridge, Rochester and Maidstone.
The latter scheme, Maidstone Exchange, Parkwood 80
Industrial Estate comprises seven new warehousing units 75
and one car showroom totalling 5,137m2 (55,296ft2).
£ per m²
Meanwhile, Goya Developments’ Aylesford Business Park 70
provides seven new units ranging from 349m2 (3,757ft2) to 65
3,839m2 (41,320ft2) for industrial and logistics warehousing.
60
In May George Wilson Developments completed the
construction of eight light industrial units of 92m2 (1,000ft2) 55
each on the Joseph Wilson Industrial Estate, Whitstable, 50
all of which were sold off-plan. The same developer has
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New light industrial units, Old Wood Yard, Joseph Wilson Industrial submitted plans for a 2.2ha (5.5 acre) extension to the estate
Estate, Whitstable. adding 7,897m2 (85,000ft2) of industrial floor space. Source: Caxtons
10 Kent Property Market Report 2019Lettings
Location Landlord/Vendor Tenant/Purchaser Floorspace ft2 Rent (pa) Lease term Agent
Unit K Springhead Enterprise Park, LaSalle Investments Berry World 140,900 £7.55 psf 15 years Altus Group / DTRE
Northfleet
Units 17 & 18, Decimus Park, North
Farm Industrial Park, Tunbridge Wells Percival Drake Ltd Childrensalon Ltd 12,360 £130,000 10 years Durlings
Warehouse, Caesars Way, Folkestone Private investor J H Young Ltd 18,078 with yard £85,000 15 year lease Smith-Woolley
5th & 10th year break
1 & 2 Mid Kent Business Park Private Everydog Ltd 3,469 + £31,645 rising to 10 years, Michael Parkes
1,497 Mezz £37,440 break at 3rd year Surveyors Ltd
Sales
Location Landlord/Vendor Purchaser Floorspace ft2 Capital value Agent
3 Laker Road, Rochester Mr R Mills ALO Properties 10,176 £1.1m Harrisons
Bridge House, Hop Pocket Lane, Thermo Group SCS UK Ltd 11,029 £890,000 Martine Waghorn
Paddock Wood
Unit 29, John Wilson Industrial Estate, Jaytee Biosciences Mr and Mrs I Morris Ground floor: 1,970 £230,000 Caxtons
Whitstable mezzanine: 1,810
Unit 4, Herne Bay Business Park, Lilley Tile & Stone N/A 2,054 £175,000 long BTF
Canterbury Road, Herne Bay leasehold interest
PHOTO: MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL
Development activity in the county has been assisted by a In August, Quadron, Littlebrook, a new build multi-let
positive funding market with M & G, Orchard Street, Standard estate, let to Network Rail, totalling 4,239m2 (45,636ft2) was
Life and Buccleuch backing developer-led schemes. sold by Buccleuch Property and Wrenbridge to Aberdeen
Meanwhile, there are a number of substantial sites coming Standard, delivering a new low yield of 4.25% for multi-let
forward. These include Vantage Point, Snodland and industrial in the county. Larkfield Mill Industrial Estate,
Aylesford Newsprint, a 42ha (105 acre) site. Development Aylesford, which comprises 29,561m2 (318,194ft2) was sold
opportunities for sale include 6.6 acres (2.67 ha) at Crittalls by Threadneedle to M7 in October for a quoted £33.5m,
Corner, Sidcup and 3.6 acres (1.45 ha) at Lower Road, (5.23% NIY). The same fund is selling Units 1-8, Wincheap
Northfleet. At Junction 8 of the M20 Segro/Roxhill has Trade Park, Canterbury, totalling 6,493m2 (69,893ft2) for
a planned scheme with space to accommodate up to £6.425m (6.25% NIY).
41,806m2 (450,000ft2) at Woodcut Farm.
A 3,315m2 (35,680ft2) unit on Maidstone Road, Rochester
The strong rental performance of Kent industrials relative sold in February to Corefresh Limited for £4m. Threadneedle
to other south east markets, has paved the way for higher sold a single-let unit, occupied by Hermes Parcelnet on
land values and lower yields and established the county’s Quarry Wood Industrial Estate, Aylesford for £4.95m (5.5%
credentials amongst institutional investors. However, the NIY) in July to Marchmont IM. Meanwhile, the summer also
outperformance of the sector has deterred disposals, saw the 7,058m2 (75,972ft2) unit let earlier in the year to
resulting in relatively few transactions over the last year. DSG Retail Ltd, at Mid Kent Business Park, Snodland, sell for
£10.5m (4.92% NIY). Aylesford Business Park.
Kent Property Market Report 2019 11Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
Retail Performance
£1,722m2 -0.56%
Tunbridge Wells records top prime retail rent in
Kent in 2019
Fall in average prime Kent retail rent over
last 5 years
Cradick Retail Cradick Retail
A cocktail of Brexit uncertainty and ongoing structural change Guildhall Quarter to encompass three city centre sites when zip wire, giant swing and sky diving machine, with plans to
in the retail sector continues to dispense a challenging the 8,640m2 (93,000ft2) Debenhams closes in January 2020. open in 2020.
retail environment nationwide. Kent’s towns have seen The plans include eleven retail units with residential use on
losses ranging from Debenhams to Top Shop. To an extent, the upper floors. In September, U+I received consent for a In the out of town market, George Wilson completed two
the strong labour market has provided some support for mixed-use scheme at Swanley Shopping Centre adding an newly constructed retail units at Estuary View Business Park,
consumer spending, which showed an upturn in July but additional 4,318m2 (46,479ft2) of retail space, with residential Whitstable, in autumn 2018. The units are let to Halfords and
is likely to remain volatile until greater economic certainty and parking. Meanwhile, British Land plan an £11m Pets at Home and adjoin existing stores ALDI, Home Bargains
returns. This volatility is evident in rental trends over the refurbishment of Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre in and M&S Food Hall. The units are both 697m2 (7,500ft2), each
last year, with much of the upturn seen in 2018 reversed. Tunbridge Wells, to be completed summer 2020. with a service yard, with 50 new parking spaces between
The Cradick Retail average prime rent for Kent is close to them and on 10 year leases at £193 per m2 (£18 per ft2). Work
the level recorded three years ago. The challenging retail environment has been felt at commenced in August at Royal London’s Horsted Retail
Bluewater, with some planned closures due to Company Park, Chatham, with space for a new Aldi, Home Bargains,
Vacant units are gradually being absorbed, however. Voluntary Arrangements. However, the centre also saw KFC and UFC Gyms, following planning approval in April.
Independent retailers and restaurants are expanding their Primark open its 4,273m2 (46,000ft2) store in March. Levis, The units will open in spring 2020. Meanwhile, Location 3
presence on the county’s high streets, facilitated by the Happy Socks and Penhaligon’s have also opened and JD Properties submitted plans for four units on Anthony’s Way,
nationwide rent rebase of recent years. Leisure uses are Sports, Beaverbrooks and Chisholm Hunter are increasing Medway City Estate, to accommodate a discount food
also seeing growth across the county, again mirroring a their floorspace. In August, Hangloose Adventure Centre retailer, a drive-thru coffee shop, and trade counters.
nationwide trend reported by Local Data Company. This is received planning consent to develop facilities, including a The application will be determined at appeal later in the year.
illustrated by Hito Gym, with plans to open its first site in the
UK in Sittingbourne, in the former Argos store vacated in 2017. High street retail rents Kent average prime high street rent
2016 2017 2018 2019
In Ashford, the first phase of Elwick Place opened in December 1000
2000
2018, comprising a Picturehouse cinema and Travelodge. 1800
950
Kent based Macknade, has taken a 10 year lease on the 476m2 1600
(5,123ft2) Unit 1. Dansaki restaurant and Snap Fitness are also 1400 900
1200
£ per m²
taking space. At Spirit of Sittingbourne, the restaurant and 1000 850
cinema space will complete in December 2019, with occupiers 800
£ per m²
including Creams, Nandos and Pizza Express. Meanwhile, in 600 800
400
Hythe, The Chameleon Bar and Grill restaurant opened in July. 200
750
0 700
Looking ahead, new retail and leisure uses are planned in a
Ashford
Canterbury
Dartford
Dover
Folkestone
Gravesend
Maidstone
Medway
Sevenoaks
Sittingbourne
Tunbridge Wells
Tonbridge
Thanet
number of town centre schemes. At Bardell Wharf, Rochester, 650
Quinn Estates received planning consent in July for 1,894m2 600
(20,387ft2) of commercial space, including retail and possibly
2000
2008
2004
2006
2009
2002
2003
2005
2007
2001
2010
2018
2016
2019
2014
2012
2013
2015
2017
2011
a supermarket for the town. Meanwhile in Canterbury,
90 North and Clague presented proposals to develop the Source: Cradick Retail Source: Cradick Retail
12 Kent Property Market Report 2019Lettings
Location Landlord/Vendor Tenant Floorspace ft2 Rent (pa) Lease term Agent
3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells Private Landlord Hair International Ltd 1000 £23,000 pax FRI 5 years Broadlands Commercial
Property Agents Ltd
7 Brookfield Court, Ashford Local Authority Private 720 £9,250 10 year FRI lease Stafford-Perkins
19 Preston Street, Faversham N/A Crankey Monkey Ltd 801 £10,000 exc 7 yr FRI Tod at yr 2 BTF
trading as Gridlock RR at 3.5 3 months RF
22 High Street, Tenterden Private Space NK 750 £39,000 10 years Martine Waghorn
Sales
Location Landlord/Vendor Purchaser Floorspace ft2 Capital value Agent
Retail Unit, Ebbsfleet Green, Talbot Lane, Redrow Homes Limited Cooperative Group 3,656 £685,000 Harrisons
Ebbsfleet Valley
6 Palace Street, Canterbury The Children’s Society Keith & Sophie Curtis 1,600 £340,000 Caxtons
PHOTO: MCARTHURGLEN DESIGNER OUTLET
UK Commercial Property REIT agreed a 2,508m2 (27,000ft2)
part-surrender of B&Q’s lease, at Great Lodge Retail Park,
Tunbridge Wells, with a re-let to ALDI. The space was formerly
sub-let to Toys R Us. The £90m 9,290m2 (100,000ft2)
expansion of McArthurGlen’s Ashford Designer Outlet
completed in October, with fifty new stores added to the
scheme. These include Armani and the UK’s first Haribo store.
The additional floorspace also provides a new food piazza,
events space and a redesigned interactive children’s play area.
The investment community remain cautious towards
the retail market. That said, private investors continue to
purchase opportunistically, seeking out primarily high street
assets. The WH Smith and Co-op units in Maidstone sold
in June for £2.265m (NIY 8.875%) and £1.97m (NIY 5.5%)
respectively, both to private investors.
Local authority investment activity continues. Medway
Council purchased the Pentagon Shopping Centre,
Chatham, for £34.8m (NIY 9%) from Ellandi and Bridges Fund
Management. This purchase was one of two key shopping
centre sales in the county this year. The 8,389m2 (90,298ft2)
Forum Shopping Centre, Sittingbourne was sold in January
by Tesco for £7.35m (NIY 9.66%) to Praxis Asset Management,
while the 2,461m2 (26,500ft2) Bouverie Place shopping centre,
Folkestone, also went on the market over the summer. McArthurGlen Designer Outlet, Ashford.
Kent Property Market Report 2019 13Kent County Council, Medway Council & Kent’s District Council Commentary
Leisure and Tourism The last year saw further development across Kent to
strengthen the visitor offer. The following examples show
plan substantial investment in new experiences over the
forthcoming years.
Performance continued confidence in Kent’s visitor economy and creation
of new job opportunities in the sector:
•C hapel Down Winery opened its new state-of-the art
•T
he National Trust completed their £7.75m conservation
project at Knole opening 15 showrooms, the house attics,
Gatehouse Tower and the exceptional range of furniture,
brewery and visitor centre, Curious Brewery in Ashford textiles and paintings on display inside. Sissinghurst Castle
town centre in May 2019. The brewery includes a shop, will also complete a garden conservation project in late
tasting area, bar and restaurant. summer 2019.
•E lwick Place in Ashford, which includes a new Picturehouse •C
anterbury Cathedral is undergoing a major 5-year
boutique cinema, was officially opened in December 2018. development project including a new Welcome Centre
The most recent Cambridge Economic Impact Model •M acknade Fine Foods will also open their new food and to open in autumn 2019.
analysis showed that in 2017 the county welcomed a record drink hub at Elwick Place in late 2019. •M
argate Caves opened this summer following investment
65m visitors, an increase of 5m visitors on 2015 which •E nglish Heritage invested £2.3m in reviving the lost pleasure from the Big Lottery Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund,
included over one million international visitors for the first grounds at Walmer Castle, with the historic glen accessible boosted by a crowdfunding initiative. This provided a visitor
time. The visitor economy is worth £3.8bn to Kent annually for the first time in 100 years. English Heritage also opened centre, shop, cafe and community hub.
and accounts for around 77,000 jobs or 11% of total Kent a new cold war themed escape room at Dover Castle and
employment. In turn, this growth has stimulated significant
PHOTO: PORT LYMPNE HOTEL & RESERVE
new investment in Kent’s wider economy.
Visit Kent’s monthly Business Barometer tracks tourism
trading performance and allows businesses to benchmark
occupancy and footfall figures within their peer group.
This data supports developers and those planning
investments to make informed decisions based on demand.
The Visit Kent strategy focusses on:
• increasing the value of the visitor economy by driving
overnight visits
• proactively targeting investment in new accommodation
stock
• targeting high spending international visitors
• the high value business events market
These priorities are aligned to the new Tourism Sector
Deal with the government which sets out plans to support
the growth of the visitor economy nationally and deliver
an additional 130,000 bedrooms and create 30,000
apprenticeships by 2025.
Attractions
Visit Kent’s Business Barometer 2019 Q1 report shows footfall
to visitor attractions in Kent was up by 9.9% compared to
Q1 2018. Despite the uncertainty around Brexit and a fall in
visitors from key international markets, Kent’s attractions have
continued to see an increase in footfall demonstrating the
resilience of the sector locally in times of uncertainty.
Lion Lodge at Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, near Hythe.
14 Kent Property Market Report 2019PHOTO: THE PIG HOTEL
£3.8bn
•H
ush Heath Estate opened a new £4m Winery, a 200-seat
tasting room and visitor centre opened in late 2018 allowing
them to more than triple production over the next 5 years.
•M
aidstone Borough Council has committed to investing
£4.3m in the redevelopment and improvement of Mote
Park over the next few years. The initial improvements to
The visitor economy is worth £3.8bn to Kent annually
the car parks, play area and creation of the new Adventure
and accounts for around 11% of total Kent employment
Zone were completed in early 2019.
Visit Kent Business Barometer
•B
iggin Hill Memorial Museum opened in February 2019
following an investment of £5.3m.
•T
he Tunbridge Wells Museum is currently undergoing To support the Visit Kent strategy of increasing overnight
redevelopment into a Cultural Learning Hub and is due stays in the county it is essential to increase investment in
to open in 2021. quality accommodation across all price points. The last year
•T
he Historic Dockyard Chatham completed the £8.2m has seen the following developments:
restoration of the Grade 1 listed Fitted Rigging House in •A 28 bedroom boutique hotel and restaurant, The Pig at
autumn 2018 and will begin work on a project to restore Bridge Place, opened in May.
the machinery in the Victorian Ropery. •T he luxury Cave Hotel and Golf Resort opened in June
•A
new Urban Sports Park including a climbing and skate 2019 at Boughton near Canterbury, providing two
park is due to open in Folkestone early 2020. restaurants and conferencing facilities.
•P
rison Island, a new 929m² (10,000ft²) escape room •H ampton By Hilton are set to take the hotel on the Slatters
opened in Maidstone High Street. site in Canterbury, planned for completion in 2020. The
•C
himera Climbing will open a new climbing centre in international hotel brand has also confirmed a £10m
Canterbury in November. development in Folkestone on the former Silver Springs
•L
ydden Hill Race Track have submitted an application to site alongside an Ibis hotel.
redevelop the offices into a VIP Centre and additional use •A rtgame in Margate opened four luxury apartments above
of the circuit for non-race activities. an art gallery in July 2019.
•R
estoration of Charles Dickens’ Swiss Chalet which sits in •T he Rochester Riverside development includes plans for
the grounds of Eastgate House in Rochester is planned to a hotel including conference and meeting room facilities.
coincide with the anniversary of the author’s death next year. •E lmley Nature Reserve in Sheppey opened the newly The Pig at Bridge Place, near Canterbury.
•W
ildwood near Canterbury opened a new walk through renovated 18th century Kingshill Farmhouse which sleeps
red squirrel experience in May. up to 14. •A
new 115 bedroom Premier Inn will be opening on the
•D
reamland opened a new European restaurant, Café •T he University of Kent plans a hotel and conference centre Merevale House site in Tunbridge Wells in December.
Barletta, to increase their food and drink offer. as part of the Canterbury Campus Framework Masterplan. •S
hepherd Neame invested a total of £10.2m to improve
•R
euthes Lost Gardens has opened at Reuthes Nursery, •P ort Lympne Reserve opened new accommodation their managed estate in 2018. A £500,000 refurbishment
Sevenoaks including their latest luxury experience, Lion Lodge and is at the Marine Hotel in Tankerton and a £100,000
•T
he London Resort development planned for the due to open Giraffe Hall, a luxury 10-bedroom hotel and refurbishment of The Ship Hotel in New Romney were
Swanscombe Peninsula confirmed partnerships with ITV 6 cabins, in 2020. completed in July 2019.
Studios, BBC Studios and Paramount Pictures. •T ravelodge opened a 58 bedroom hotel at Elwick Place in •A
new Spa upgrade was unveiled at Dover Marina Hotel
Ashford in January 2019, a 108-bedroom hotel in the St as part of a £1m investment in the property.
Accommodation James development in Dover and two more will open in
In Visit Kent’s Business Barometer 2019 Q1 report, serviced Sittingbourne and the Rochester Riverside development With several major events and anniversaries taking place in
accommodation supply increased by 3.6% and demand was later this year. The company has approval for a 75 bedroom Kent over the next year, including The Open golf tournament
up by 4.2% compared to the same period in 2018. Across Kent’s development at Discovery Park and is actively targeting in Sandwich and the Turner Prize in Margate, Visit Kent will
larger hotels and chains (based on data supplied through STR sites in Ebbsfleet/Bluewater, Canterbury, Deal/Sandwich, be working with partners to capitalise on these opportunities
Global for 82 properties and just over 6400 rooms), occupancy Folkestone, Herne Bay/Whitstable, Maidstone, Sevenoaks to attract new visitors and to utilise this platform to raise the
was 65.3% an increase of 0.6% compared to Q1 2018. and Tonbridge. profile of Kent as a national and international destination.
Kent Property Market Report 2019 15Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
Rural Performance
13%
Farmland has proved a safe and secure
investment over the long term and in
recent years has outperformed many
other assets and will ride out the current Reduction in farmland being marketed to end
pressures of Brexit and beyond. August 2019 compared to same period 2018
Savills
SAVILLS
It is remarkable how resilient the farmland market has been The picture is similar at both country and regional levels.
this year, given the extraordinary political events close The average value of prime arable and grade 3 grassland
to home and economic trading of blows further afield, across GB is around £8,700 and £5,500 per acre respectively.
according to Savills. However there is a broad range of prices achieved either
side of the average, with neighbours working quickly to
The appetite for farmland remains largely unchanged, there secure rare opportunities to acquire adjoining land and there
are ready buyers for good quality land who are still prepared is renewed international interest in farmland assets in well
to pay sensible prices and will even pay above the going rate located areas. In the south east, we have seen average values
where circumstances are favourable or there is an element of around £9,000 – £9,500 for prime arable and £6,000 –
of competition. What is perhaps equally noticeable is that £6,500 per acre for grade 3 grassland.
poorer land is also seeing increasing demand from buyers
looking to invest in the environment, apart from anything The recent correction in the value of bare commercial
they see that support mechanisms are likely to favour farmland is now creating opportunities for investors to
stewardship going forward. make a reasonable return, and conservation-minded buyers
continue to express an interest in marginal and high-nature Aerial view of Court and Brookers Farm near Gravesend.
As the industry experienced in 2003, the expected change value areas. It is important in current market conditions with
of support regime is delaying decisions to market land, so little supply available and the wide range of variables that
regardless of the presence of active buyers in a quiet market. influence prices paid, to not over rely on average values.
According to Savills research, in the south east of England, Farmland has proved a safe and secure investment over Great Britain – Publicly Marketed Farmland
9,854 acres of farmland have been marketed during 2019 to the long term and in recent years has outperformed many Lowland farms/farmland over 50 acres with VP marketed in the
the end of August, compared with 11,305 acres in the same other assets and will ride out the current pressures of Brexit national press, regional press and internet sites (since beginning 2013)
period in 2018, a decrease of -13%. This compares with a and beyond. 350,000
decrease in supply across Great Britain of -33% (England
-29%) for the same period, from 86,193 in 2018 to 61,479 For more information: 300,000
£ per m²
acres in 2019. Michael Wooldridge 250,000
Head of Office, Savills Maidstone
200,000
Pricing remains important. It is noticeable that farms and 01732 879052
land are sticking where the price is over-ambitious and those 150,000
that have their price level adjusted to a less ambitious level Dickie Mann 100,000
are quite quick to regain traction in the market place. Farm Agent, Savills Maidstone
The message therefore is simple – if you are a serious seller, 01732 879050 50,000
be a realist on value and success is far more likely to come 0
to you. An off-market offering can be used to test the water,
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019*
but ultimately we are finding that price sensitivity stretches
*2019 to end of August
even that far. Source: Savills Research
16 Kent Property Market Report 2019PHOTO: KENT & SUSSEX HOLIDAY COTTAGES
LEADER assisted a farmer
on the Romney Marsh to
convert a 200 year-old derelict
‘Looker’s Hut‘ into visitor
accommodation.
Photo: Kent & Sussex Holiday Cottages
Kent Property Market Report 2019 17Caxtons’ Property Market Analysis
PHOTO: GREAT FIELD FARM / ACT STUDIOS
LEADER Grant Funding in Kent
Kent’s LEADER programme is a source of funding for
rural businesses, farmers, foresters and communities to
help secure a sustainable future for the rural economy.
The LEADER Programme is a bottom-up, community-
led approach to the delivery of the Rural Development
Programme for England funded by Defra and the European
Union. The planning, decision-making and implementation
is via Local Action Groups made up of private, public
and community sector volunteers with a wide range of
knowledge and experience of local rural issues.
LEADER in Kent has a budget of £5.25m for 2015-2020
and applications are currently closed. The programme has
been very popular and over-subscribed to the extent that
approximately £370,000 of additional funding was awarded Bumble Barn, Canterbury.
PHOTO: LJPRITCHARD / THEKIKKCANTERBURY
to both the Kent Downs and Marshes & West Kent areas.
The emphasis is on providing jobs and growth in rural areas. manufactured in the UK along Passivhaus principles, built
It has a rolling funding mechanism with a minimum grant from mostly natural, low impact materials, featuring high-
of £2,500 and a maximum of £50,000 to £100,000 (higher performance insulation and air-tightness. The exterior is
under certain circumstances), at a rate of 40% of eligible costs clad in low-maintenance natural cedar with a sedum roof to
for commercial projects. Recent LEADER projects include: enable it to blend into its rural environment, while allowing
visitors to benefit from views of the countryside.
Simpsons Wine Estate – New Press Room
LEADER has helped to support the expansion of the Winery The building was constructed off-site, in ready-made,
Facilities at Simpsons Wine Estates and construction of a fitted sections before being assembled on site in a few
new Press Room. The business was established in 2013 to days ready for occupation to minimise impact on existing
produce Method Traditional English sparkling wines from a tourist accommodation close by. The new self-catering
newly established 30ha (74 acre) vineyard in Barham, near lodge is helping the business to cater for larger groups and
Canterbury. The business has 10ha currently in production, meet the growing demand for high quality, eco-friendly
but this will triple to 30ha in 2019, giving the potential to accommodation in Kent.
crop 300 tons of grapes producing 2100 hectolitres of wine
or 210,000 one litre bottles. The Looker’s Legacy
LEADER assisted a farmer on the Romney Marsh to Treehouse – The Lodge Farm, Stelling Minnis.
The new press room will help to facilitate a significant convert a 200 year-old derelict ‘Looker’s Hut‘ into visitor
increase in the productions of Simpsons’ English Wines. accommodation. This will bring a unique heritage feature of Treehouse – The Lodge Farm
There will be seven new products created including five the Marsh back into economic use as a small ‘couples retreat’ LEADER helped the owners of a smallholding in Stelling
different sparkling wines and two still wines. It will also in a building of architectural and historical significance. Minnis to create a unique, luxury visitor accommodation as
create additional processing facilities for other vineyards to part of their business. The new ’Treehouse’ uses sustainable
use – both large and small producers. The project involved the restoration of the Looker’s Hut to materials to blend with it’s surroundings in the long term
contain a bedroom and bathroom and construction of a and reflect its location with a Kentish oast house style roof.
Great Field Farm – Bumble Barn modern, contemporary extension as an entrance kitchen, The treehouse was designed and installed by Nid Perché,
LEADER has helped assist an established B&B business of 27 dining and living space to match the scale of the original a specialist French company who develop and install
years to create new environmentally friendly accommodation building. The use of natural cladding on the modern buildings to unique designs.
for tourists to the Canterbury area. The new lodge was extension was designed to complement its rural setting.
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