Napthens seals deal on professional services 'hub'

Work is set to begin on the latest stage of development of the expanding Whitehills business park, Blackpool, cementing the area’s growing reputation as a home to professional services advisors.

Property company Henco International, based on the Whitehills site, is about to start construction of a new, four-storey office for stockbrokers Hargreave Hale, a three-storey speculative office development offering suites from 3,000 sq ft to 9,000 sq ft, along with industrial/trade units totalling 15,000 sq ft.

The 2.5 acre plot is the latest development on the expanding business park, which bosses at Henco say is attracting real interest from professional services companies.

David Hill, partner in the Commercial Property team at Napthens solicitors, has advised Henco for a number of years, most recently on the lease of the soon-to-be-under-construction Hargreave Hale building.

David Hill said: “The Whitehills Business Park is in an ideal location for professional services businesses with the motorway just round the corner and quick access to towns including Preston and Blackpool.

“Napthens itself has benefited from the location with our Blackpool and Fylde which moved here in recent years following a relocation from Blackpool town centre.

“A number of high profile housing developments are also transforming the area.”

Chris Hibbert, director at Henco, said: “This expansion is a continuation of the work we have done on Olympic Court and Apollo Court, and represents a major investment in the area.

“We are seeing a real trend of professional services businesses moving onto the site or expressing an interest. So far advisors including Champion Accountants, James Brearley & Sons stockbrokers and Hargreave Hale all have presences at Whitehills.”

Hargreave Hale has previously revealed that the new, 20,000sq ft facility is part of an expansion that will see the company recruit extra staff as it expands towards £35m turnover. The scheme is due to be completed in Spring 2016.