NETWORK RAIL STEPS UP TO SUPPORT BUSINESS IN NEWCASTLE
Tuesday 20 Jul 2010 15:50
Network Rail today launched its new-look lettings portfolio, as the largest commercial property estate in Newcastle. Previously trading under the name of Spacia, over 140 properties in a 227,000 sq ft lettings estate will be re-branded, signalling a new era for Network Rail’s property business
With many of the units located in railway arches and other key locations, Network Rail is in a unique position to back small businesses and help drive regeneration in Newcastle. With further investment Network Rail is committed to attracting new business as well as supporting established local companies by offering affordable, well-placed properties.
This change of emphasis towards commercial activities will generate income to support further investment, such as the innovative spaces created at the award-nominated Westgate Road arches and Forth Street Arches, for a wide range of business uses.
Owner of Forth Street Barber Shop, Denise Gourley, said: “We wanted to provide male grooming services in Newcastle city centre that was affordable yet high quality. The Forth Street Arches development has helped our trained hairdressers provide just that. Sitting alongside a variety of other businesses, there is a real community here and has put us firmly on Newcastle’s shopping map”.
Network Rail’s nationwide estate offers a wide variety of properties in terms of type, style, quality and size for uses ranging from light industrial and storage, to leisure, retail and office space. Network Rail also offers flexible terms that offer good value for money, simple contracts and a 48 hour turnaround from enquiry to entry.
Director of property David Biggs said: “Through Spacia, we already support many small businesses and we understand their needs.”
“This move is a clear symbol of Network Rail’s dedication to its property division, which through targeted investment encourages local businesses to grow and in turn helps to drive regeneration and boost the regional economy of Newcastle.”
Maximising the value of Network Rail property portfolio also allows the company to re-invest in the railway, bringing better services for passengers.
More information on business space available to lease in Newcastle can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/property, or by phoning 0800 830 840.
Notes to Editors:
Network Rail is the 'not for dividend' owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations - the largest of which we also manage We aim to provide a safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure for freight and passenger trains to use Our website: www.networkrail.co.uk
Network Rail will generate over £1bn from commercial activities in the next five years. This would pay to transform Birmingham New Street of King’s Cross stations, or put in place 5,000km of new railway.
Network Rail is the country’s largest provider to small and medium sized business enterprises, with over 7,000 properties UK wide with a total 18m sq ft of space. Individual units range from 100 sq ft to 100,000 sq ft with uses ranging from office, retail and leisure to light industrial and storage.
The lettings estate offers a wide range of properties in terms of type, style, quality and size and current tenants range from car mechanics, hair dressers and cafes to architects, specialist cheese manufacturers, bathroom retailers and even a theatre group.
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About Network RailNetwork Rail is the not for dividend owner and operator of Britain's railway infrastructure, which includes the tracks, signals, tunnels, bridges, viaducts, level crossings and stations - the largest of which we also manage We aim to provide a safe, reliable and efficient rail infrastructure for freight and passenger trains to use Our website:
www.networkrail.co.uk