| Mark Royal Investment For Sale |
| Fully Let With Medium Term Potential |
| 16 Jun, 2008 |
McConnell Martin has been instructed to sell Mark Royal House, Donegall Street & Royal Avenue, Belfast.
Mark Royal House is a fully let five storey office/retail building occupying a gateway site in the up and coming Cathedral Quarter of Belfast’s City Centre. The building is arranged in two blocks around a central core, with frontages to both Royal Avenue and Donegall Street, affording considerable flexibility in lettable areas. The car park at 1st floor level, with 7 spaces, is accessed via a ramped entrance from Donegall Street.
With a current income of £142,500pa, of which over 73% is secured against a Government letting, this investment provides secure income with excellent medium term potential for refurbishment or redevelopment.
For further details please contact
Rory McConnell
028 90 205 900
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| All Change at Sinclair House |
| Makeover to Provide Small Office Suites |
| 25 Apr, 2008 |
Work is due to commence on site at landmark office building Sinclair House in the heart of the city centre to provide new office suites from c.876 sq ft +.
Sinclair House occupies a prominent corner position on Royal Avenue and is an ideal location for businesses requiring a city centre presence.
Letting agent Caroline Dixon commented–
“We have noted a continued demand from small to medium size businesses for smaller office suites in the city centre. With the proposed conversions, Sinclair House will offer a complete package to occupiers seeking suites from around 1,000 sq ft; excellent city centre location and great facilities including impressive entrance foyer, on-site security and lift access to all floors.”
Tenants already in the building include Willis & Co Insurance Brokers, Belfast City Centre Management, Diamond & Skillen Accountants and Bigger & Strahan Solicitors.
Please contact Caroline Dixon to discuss how we can accommodate your office space requirement in Sinclair House Tel: 02890 205900
|
| Major Instruction at Kilroot |
| Agency Advice Follows Investment Deal |
| 7 Feb, 2008 |
McConnell Martin has been retained as Letting Agent on Kilroot Business Park, Carrickfergus, by its new owners Highcross, a major Property Fund Manager headquartered in Newbury, Berkshire.
McConnell Martin worked alongside their associates at King Sturge in London to advise Highcross on the investment acquisition, which was completed at the end of January.
Kilroot Business Park, located just to the east of Carrickfergus on the main A6 Larne Road, covers some 60 acres with currently about 720,000 sq ft of buildings providing everything from small workshops and offices to distribution warehousing, trade counters and showroom accommodation.
A number of existing units are available under lease or shorter term flexible licence agreements and plans are being worked on to build additional new business units within the park.
Commenting on the instruction, Rory McConnell, partner at McConnell Martin, said “It is very encouraging to see a major investment fund from the mainland making such a substantial investment in Northern Ireland and a sign of the continuing confidence in the local market.
We were delighted to have been retained, alongside King Sturge, on the investment acquisition, where our formal association gave Highcross the benefit of both local knowledge and national strength.”
He added “Kilroot Business Park provides a host of opportunities for all sorts of businesses and organisations looking for accommodation in a convenient location”.
For further details on Kilroot please contact:
Rory McConnell
Caroline Dixon
Lisa Morgan
McConnell Martin
028 90 205 900
|
| Golden Opportunity in Newry |
| Jack Murphy Jewellers For Sale |
| 28 Jan, 2008 |
McConnell Martin has been appointed by Newry "institution", Jack Murphy Jewellers, to market the business For Sale. After 36 years of trading at Diamond House on Hill Street in Newry City Centre, and 50 years in the industry, Jack has decided the time has come to hand over the reigns. Jack turned 65 last year and with the usual dilemma of succession that can happen with a family business Jack has decided just this month to put the business on the market for sale or lease as a going concern.
With a turnover in excess of £1 million sterling (€1.35million) Jack Murphy Jewellers offers a unique opportunity for a discerning business person to purchase a well established and respected business in the heart of a thriving border city. Newry’s unique location on the economic corridor between Dublin and Belfast means that the customer base for Jack Murphy Jewellers comes from right across the Island of Ireland.
Caroline Dixon, Partner at McConnell Martin who is handling the sale said "We are expecting interest from both sides of the border as well as from established UK names due to the strategic location of the shop."
As Jack himself says “70 per cent of the population of the island of Ireland live within 70 miles of Newry City making it accessible to a significant potential customer base.”
Full details are available from Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin - +44(0)28 90 205 900
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| 2.88% Yield after Fierce Bidding |
| Record North Down Investment Sale |
| 3 Dec, 2007 |
Acting for the vendors, McConnell Martin has sold a suburban investment property in Bangor, Co Down, achieving what is thought to be a record yield in the area.
The property at 97 & 97a Groomsport Road Bangor is let to local dry-cleaners, Spats, for a term of 15 years from 1st February 2006 at a rent of £8,300 per annum.
The investment attracted huge interest with multiple bids and was eventually sold for £275,000 to a local investor.
Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin handled the sale. She said afterwards “The frantic bidding which we experienced with this sale demonstrates the continuing demand from investors, particularly for local product”.
The sale reflects a yield of 2.88% allowing for normal purchasers costs of 4.75%.
|
| Baird House Sale Nets £1.475m |
| Important North Foreshore Industrial Sale |
| 3 Dec, 2007 |
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of the vendor, has sold Baird House, a landmark building/site on the corner of Dargan Crescent and Duncrue Road in Belfast’s North Foreshore area.
The property comprising c.1.06 acres attracted a lot of interest from both owner occupiers and developers.
The property was eventually sold to a local businessman for £1.475 million.
|
| Harley Medical Group to Open |
| Lisburn Road Leasehold Acquired |
| 30 Oct, 2007 |
One of the UK’s leading providers of cosmetic surgery has announced that it is set to open its first Northern Ireland clinic in Belfast.
Acting on behalf of The Harley Medical Group (THMG), McConnell Martin has acquired a leasehold interest in a 1,470 square foot property with on-site car parking at number 354 Lisburn Road.
Liz Dale, Marketing Director of the Group, says “We have been receiving a huge number of enquiries from the North of Ireland and indeed very many of our customers have travelled from there to our Dublin clinic for a whole variety of procedures. It will be fantastic for The Harley Medical Group to meet that demand by opening in Belfast and we are very excited at the prospect.”
“We have researched the marketplace well and from the enquiries we have received, the greatest interest from our future clients in Northern Ireland is for breast augmentation procedures, with liposuction and tummy tucks being the second and third most commonly requested treatments,” she explains.
“Over the past 24 years hundreds of thousands of people have gained new-found confidence through THMG. Every year we see more and more demand for our procedures and as our satisfied clients tend to tell their friends and families about us, their word-of-mouth recommendations have a snowball effect on our business.
“Of course, we are very pleased about this, but then again we‘re not entirely surprised as our team is very professional and we all work hard at maintaining excellence in what we do. The forthcoming launch of a full clinic in Belfast is the natural result of years of hard work and dedication and is something that we all look forward to.”
Lisa Morgan at McConnell Martin handled the instruction which came through a referral from our association with King Sturge.
|
| Investment Deals Total Over £25m |
| 3 major transactions in 6 months |
|
The last six months have seen McConnell Martin involved in three major Belfast investment deals, with the sale of River House and the acquisition of Commonwealth House and The Northern Ireland War Memorial Building.
River House was sold on behalf of longstanding private clients. The 14 storey landmark office & retail building is situated on High Street in Belfast city centre.
Commonwealth House in Castle Street was acquired prior to auction. The 1960’s office building, with retail at ground floor, came with vacant possession of some 36,000 sq ft on the upper floors, providing an excellent redevelopment opportunity. Osborne King acted for the vendors.
The War Memorial Building (pictured) on Waring Street, in Belfast’s up and coming Cathedral Quarter, was acquired by McConnell Martin on behalf of private clients. Brown McConnell Clark McKee represented the vendors.
For further information on our property investment services please contact:
Jack Hood
Rory McConnell
or Caroline Dixon
Tel: 028 90 205 900
|
| Tall Order for Management Dept. |
| Reappointed on Ireland's Highest Building |
|
McConnell Martin have been reappointed as managing agents by the new owners of Ireland's tallest office building, Windsor House in Belfast.
The firm have managed the property for successive owners since it was completed in 1977.
At 23 storeys, Windsor House is by far the highest building in Belfast City Centre. The investment was acquired in an off-market deal by a private Irish development company.
Commenting on the appointment, Charles Harper partner at McConnell Martin said "I'm not sure if 30 years of continuous management is a record but we are delighted to have been retained to continue looking after one of Belfast's landmark properties - and after all we do know the building rather well by now!"
For further information on our management services please contact:
Charles Harper
028 90 205 900
charlesharper@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| Auction Success in Omagh |
| Building Site & Land Makes £315,000 |
|
McConnell Martin have sold a 1.3 acre building site together with a further 2.2 acre field at Aghnamoyle Road, Mullaghmena Lower, just outside Omagh Co Tyrone for an unexpectedly high price of £315,000.
The property which is situated in a rural location some distance outside the development limit of the town, had planning consent for one detached dwelling house of around 2,400 sq ft.
In the run-up to the Public Auction, held at the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh, the agents reported considerable interest with a number of parties enquiring if an off-market deal could be secured. However on the day a prolonged bidding match between at least five potential purchasers produced a result well beyond the Clients' expectation.
Auctioneer Rory McConnell, partner at McConnell Martin, expressed his delight with the sale saying “Demand for development sites throughout Northern Ireland is incredibly strong, to the extent that it is quite difficult to value anything at present. Selling a property by Auction has only recently come back into vogue – it gives a vendor a degree of certainty in respect of timescale to complete a sale and, with the current intense competition for all types of property, an Auction often delivers an exceptional price on the day. We had anticipated this sale would realise in excess of £200,000 and to achieve well over £300,000 was a highly satisfactory result for our client!”
For advice on selling by Auction please contact:
Rory McConnell
Caroline Dixon or
Lisa Morgan
028 90 205 900
|
| Botanic Investment Nets £1.335m |
| South Belfast Sale Shows 4.96% Yield |
|
McConnell Martin have sold a mixed used investment occupying a prominent site on the corner of Botanic Avenue and University Street in the heart of South Belfast.
The building provides retail, office and residential accommodation and was producing a rent roll of £70,050 per annum.
Acting on behalf of private clients, McConnell Martin sold the property to a local investor for £1,335,000 reflecting a net initial yield of 4.96% allowing normal purchasers costs of 5.75%.
Caroline Dixon, partner at McConnell Martin who handled the sale, said "We experienced a huge amount of interest in this property, confirming the continuing strength of demand in the local investment market".
For property investment advice please contact:
Jack Hood
Rory McConnell
Caroline Dixon
McConnell Martin
028 90 205 900
|
| New Vila Store Opens in Lisburn |
| Wallace Buildings Acquisitions & Letting |
|
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of a local property company, has purchased and now let Unit 5 Wallace Buildings, Market Place, Lisburn to fashion retailer Vila.
Wallace Buildings is a new retail development in Lisburn city centre between Bow Street Mall and Lisburn Square.
Vila is part of the Dutch Bestseller Group whose clothing brands include Jack & Jones and Vero Moda.
McConnell Martin has also acquired another unit in the development on behalf of Progressive Building Society.
McConnell Martin Partner, Caroline Dixon, acted on behalf of the local property company in the investment acquisition and subsequent letting to Vila.
David Wilson, who heads up the Progressive Building Society account at McConnell Martin, brokered the deal to acquire the virtual freehold interest in a unit at Wallace Buildings on behalf of the Building Society.
For further information on our Agency services please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Caroline Dixon
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
028 90 205 900
|
| Estates Gazette Awards 2006 |
| McCM Nominated in Ireland Category |
|
McConnell Martin has been selected as a contender in the "Best Property Advisor in Ireland" category in the Estates Gazette Awards 2006.
The contenders in the 26 categories have been selected by specialists within the Estates Gazette editorial team and the property industry will be asked to decide via an online poll which companies have the very best reputation.
The online poll opened on 1 June to decide who should receive a coveted EG Award this autumn.
If you think McConnell Martin is the Best Property Advisor in Ireland you can vote for us by clicking here
|
| McCM Lands Major FM Instruction |
| Lanyon Place Appoints McConnell Martin |
|
McConnell Martin has won a prestigious contract to provide Facilities Management services to Lanyon Place Management Company Ltd.
Lanyon Place is the flagship development site within Belfast’s Laganside regeneration area, where development to date includes the Waterfront Hall, Hilton Hotel, British Telecom Regional Headquarters, office blocks and multi-storey car parks. Further office and commercial leisure accommodation is committed or under construction.
McConnell Martin’s brief will include managing contracts for cleaning, security, landscaping and maintenance of the common areas and public spaces within Lanyon Place.
Expressing his delight on the instruction Charles Harper, partner in charge of property management at McConnell Martin, said “To win this major contract, for one of the most important areas of public space within Belfast city centre, is testament to our team’s excellent reputation as highly effective facilities managers”.
For further information on our Management Services please contact:
Charles Harper
Property Management
charlesharper@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Brian Frazer
Financial Management
brianfrazer@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| Graduate Surveyor Appointment |
| Lisa Morgan Joins Agency Team |
|
McConnell Martin is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Graduate Surveyor to its Agency Team.
Lisa Morgan graduated from the University of Ulster in 2004 with a BSc (Hons) degree in Property Investment & Development and is on track to complete her RICS qualification in 2006.
Lisa, who hails from Ballyclare, Co Antrim, has already gained valuable experience in the local market having spent her "year out" at O'Connor Kennedy Turtle and working for McKibbin Commercial in Belfast since leaving university.
|
| Argos Sign Up At Sprucefield |
| New Retailer for Westfield Scheme |
|
Catalogue retailer Argos is the latest addition to the tenant line-up at Sprucefield Park, outside Lisburn.
A new lease has been signed and Argos are fitting out a new 10,000 sq ft (1,000 m2) unit at the scheme which already boasts Sainsburys, B&Q and Currys.
Just one 10,000 sq ft unit remains available in Phase 1 of the development now owned by Australian company, Westfield Shopping Towns.
McConnell Martin are letting agents on the scheme where the Phase 2 proposals, subject to planning, include Irelands' first John Lewis department store.
For further information contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900
|
| Rent Free Christmas for Charity |
| Oxfam Takes Prime Belfast Retail Unit |
|
McConnell Martin's client, Royal Mail, has granted a Licence on a prime retail unit in Castle Place, Belfast to the charity Oxfam, absolutely Rent-Free!
The former main Post Office is situated in a prime retail pitch on Castle Place, at the junction of Donegall Place and Royal Avenue, enjoying phenomenal pedestrian traffic during the Christmas Shopping Period.
The premises were vacant, having become surplus to requirements following the Post Office re-location to Bridge Street.
On behalf of Royal Mail, which holds the property under lease, McConnell Martin sought a charity to take a rent-free licence to occupy the unit over the Christmas & New Year period.
A number of expressions of interest were received and a deal was quickly tied up with Oxfam, which by coincidence had just received a donation of surplus beds from Jury’s Hotel and was looking for somewhere to sell them from. The substantial unit comprises some 7,500 sq ft which proved ideal as a temporary furniture shop!
Rory McConnell at McConnell Martin said “We were delighted to secure a deal with Oxfam to assist with such a good cause. Needless to say in the spirit of Christmas both we and our clients' solicitor, Cleaver Fulton Rankin, were working pro bono!"
|
| Northgate / SX3 Relocate to Antrim |
| Warehouse / Office Acquisition |
|
Acting on behalf of Northgate Solutions, McConnell Martin have completed a leasehold acquisition at M2 Distribution Park, Antrim.
The unit comprises some 5,300 sq ft and the company, which is relocating from Antrim, have secured a five year lease.
Northgate are a major supplier of software applications and outsourcing solutions to the public services, human resources and corporate markets.
They will be using the Antrim premises as their main supply and distribution depot for schools across Northern Ireland.
For further information on our Agency Services please contact:
Rory McConnell
or
Caroline Dixon
|
| Suburban Retail Market Buoyant |
| Holywood & Cregagh Road Lettings |
|
McConnell Martin have completed two retail lettings in Suburban South Belfast.
At 34 Cregagh Road Plush Hair Salon have taken 395 sq ft in a newly refurbished building.
The Swift Shoe & Key have re-located from Connswater Shopping Centre into a 477 sq ft unit at 55 Holywood Road, close to "The Arches".
For further information on our Agency Services please contact:
Rory McConnell
or
Caroline Dixon
|
| Quincy's Bangor Sale Completes |
| Business Sold to Local Restaurateur |
|
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of the vendor, MC Restaurants, has negotiated the sale of the popular Bangor restaurant, Quincy's.
The superbly fitted licenced restaurant, with some 250 covers, has been operating successfully at Bloomfield Retail Park for some years.
Caroline Dixon, partner at McConnell Martin, who negotiated the sale said "We had considerable interest when we brought Quincy's to the market and succeeded in concluding a deal in just 10 weeks"
For further information on our Agency Services please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Caroline Dixon
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Record Price for Industrial Land |
| 15 Acres Sold at Glenavy Co Antrim |
|
Glenavy, Co Antrim -
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of the vendor, has achieved a record price in excess of £125,000 per acre for industrial land in this locality. The land is zoned for industrial/distribution use in the draft BMAP published earlier this year. Commenting on the deal, McConnell Martin Senior Partner, Jack Hood, said "The sale generated very considerable interest from developers which is reflected in the price ultimately achieved".
For Further Information or Advice on Development Land Please Contact:
Jack Hood
jackhood@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| UK's Biggest Ever Investment Deal |
| £1.3 Billion Abbey Portfolio Completes |
|
McConnell Martin has been involved, through their formal association with King Sturge, on the UK's largest ever commercial property deal, worth in the region of £1.3 billion.
Acting for ING Real Estate, King Sturge has completed the acquisition of the Abbey Portfolio, previously owned by Scottish Mutual and Scottish Provident, which was put up for sale in April through CB Richard Ellis.
The properties are located throughout the UK, with a bias towards the South East and the Midlands but including Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Isle of Man.
As a result, the exercise required the collaborative effort of most of the King Sturge regional offices, including McConnell Martin in Belfast.
The portfolio included the trophy Belfast city centre property, Scottish Provident Buildings, on Donegall Square West & Wellington Place (pictured).
The ING bid beat strong competition from Prudential, and a consortium led by Tom Hunter and Nick Leslau.
The portfolio consists of 128 properties, comprising a total floorspace of 3,300,000 ft², and has an annual rent roll of £75 million.
The portfolio breaks down into: 40% offices, 25% retail, 15% retail warehouse, 14% industrial, 3% leisure and 3% other/mixed use space. The space will be divided among existing ING funds and two new funds will be launched.
For Advice on Property Investment Please Contact
Jack Hood
jackhood@mcconnellmartin.com
Or
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Holland & Barrett Open CastleCourt |
| City Centre Store for Health Food Multiple |
|
Health Food retailer Holland & Barrett have opened their first Belfast City Centre outlet at CastleCourt Shopping Centre in Royal Avenue.
The new 1,600 sq ft store is situated adjacent to the re-vamped food court at first floor level.
McConnell Martin advised Holland & Barrett - the Landlord, Westfield, was represented by Osborne King.
Commenting on the deal Rory McConnell, partner at McConnell Martin, said:
"We are retained by Holland & Barrett to continue their expansion in Northern Ireland and our first acquisition on their behalf at CastleCourt should be followed shortly by others which are currently under negotiation.
We are delighted with this instruction which came as a result of our association with King Sturge, who look after Holland & Barrett's nationwide acquisition programme."
For Information on our Property Acquisition Services Contact:
Rory McConnell
+44(0)28 90 205 900
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| Green Light for John Lewis |
| Sprucefield Park Planning Consent |
|
Northern Ireland Environment Minister, Lord Rooker, has announced his decision to grant planning consent for the second phase of retail development at Sprucefield Park, outside Lisburn.
Anchor tenant John Lewis Partnership will open their first store in Ireland, taking a full line department store of some 220,000 sq ft. A further 29 Class 1 retail units are planned in the half million sq ft development.
Sprucefield Park enjoys a highly prominent location at the junction of the M1 Motorway and the main A1 Belfast - Dublin road just outside Lisburn.
In the Phase 1 retail park existing tenants include Sainsbury's, B&Q and Currys. with one further unit under offer. McConnell Martin are marketing the last retail warehouse unit of 10,800 sq ft.
Sprucefield is designated by the Department for Regional Development as "The Only Out-of-Town Regional Shopping Centre in Northern Ireland".
for further information on Sprucefield Park please contact
Rory McConnell
McConnell Martin
+44(0)28 90 205 900
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| Appointment at McConnell Martin |
| Caroline Dixon Joins Partnership |
|
McConnell Martin is pleased to announce the appointment of Caroline Dixon as partner.
Caroline is involved in commercial agency, valuation and professional work within the company.
She is currently responsible for a diverse portfolio of agency properties including marketing retail space in the highly successful Rushmere Shopping Centre at Craigavon.
A member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, Caroline has been with McConnell Martin for eight years.
|
| Major Portfolio Exercise Completed |
| McConnell Martin / King Sturge Join Forces |
|
In the biggest joint exercise undertaken so far by the two firms, McConnell Martin and King Sturge have completed a Strategic Property Portfolio Advice exercise on behalf of the Probation Board for Northern Ireland and the Youth Justice Agency.
In total some 53 properties throughout Northern Ireland were surveyed and advice given on values and physical condition.
A team from the King Sturge Building Surveying division in London worked alongside McConnell Martin in Belfast to cover the entire portfolio in just four weeks.
Commenting on the instruction, McConnell Martin partner Rory McConnell said:
"This exercise took us from Ballycastle in the north to Enniskillen in the south and from Strabane in the west to Downpatrick in the east.
Apart from giving our colleagues from London a whistle-stop tour of the Province, the instruction demonstrated the range of advice we are now able to offer to major clients thanks to our formal association with King Sturge."
To find out how McConnell Martin & King Sturge can assist your business please contact:
Rory McConnell or Jack Hood
+44(0)28 90 205 900
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
jackhood@mcconnellmartin.com |
| Dominos Secure Newry Outlet |
| Pizza Delivery for Belfast Road |
|
Dominos Pizza, represented by McConnell Martin, have signed up for a new neighbourhood retail development on the outskirts of Newry City.
The site, close to the Mourne Country Hotel at Belfast Road, has received planning consent and building is to start on a retail development providing up to five units.
Pre-lets have been agreed with both Dominos and Hein Gericke which sells motorcycle clothing and accessories.
McConnell Martin have been retained to market the remainder of the retail scheme, which comprises a further 3,500 sq ft in up to 3 units.
For further details contact:
Gareth McGimpsey
+44(0)28 90 205 900
garethmcgimpsey@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| Phoenix Take Harbour Court |
| Sydenham Business Park Letting |
|
Protracted negotiations over many months have finally paid off for private pension fund clients of McConnell Martin.
A 4,000 sq ft office, showroom and warehouse unit at Harbour Court in Sydenham Business Park Belfast, has been leased to Phoenix Natural Gas for a term of five years at £20,000 per annum.
Commenting on the letting, McConnell Martin partner, Rory McConnell, said:
"The property is located in an area where recent prolific business space development has led to a plethora of 'To Let' signs. Our client pronounced himself 'well pleased' with the result, which was achieved in the face of considerable competition!"
For further information on our Agency service please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900 |
| H&M Retail Coup for Craigavon |
| Top Retailers attracted to Rushmere |
|
The latest extension at Rushmere Shopping Centre - where McConnell Martin are Sole Letting Agents - has opened with more top name international retailers in the tenant lineup.
Anchored by Debenhams, the new South Mall now boasts River Island, Top Shop, Top Man, Dorothy Perkins, Burton, MK One, HMV and Superdrug.
But the biggest coup for Rushmere is the announcement that Swedish Retailer H&M has chosen the centre for its first store on the Island of Ireland!
H&M's new 17,500 sq ft store will open in February 2005 and negotiations are in hand to lease the last three remaining units in the new extension.
The Retail Park at Rushmere continues to grow too, with Argos the latest retailer to open in a new 10,000 sq ft unit.
For further information on Rushmere please contact:
Caroline Dixon or Rory McConnell
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900 |
| Suburban Retail Success |
| Trio of Lettings Around Belfast |
|
In an upsurge of interest for suburban retail units, McConnell Martin has reported three seperate deals in south and east Belfast.
At 53 Holywood Road, Gareth McGimpsey has negotiated a new lease to The Cleo hot food takeaway which is re-locating from nearby Grampian Avenue.
Caroline Dixon has let a unit at 86 Bloomfield Road for a new Video Library.
Caroline has also agreed terms at 537 Lisburn Road (pictured) for a furniture and giftware shop which should open in time for Christmas with the apt name Angel at my Table.
For information on our Agency services please contact:
Rory McConnell or Caroline Dixon
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| McConnell Martin Scoops Top Prize |
| Irish Times Property Advertising Awards |
|
McConnell Martin, has scooped the Leisure Property award at the prestigious Irish Times Property Advertising Awards 2004.
The results were announced at a luncheon held in the Berkeley Court Hotel in Dublin, which was attended by some 200 property professionals from around Ireland.
McConnell Martin was the only Northern Irish firm to be short listed for an award this year.
The object of The Irish Times Property Advertising Awards is to reward excellence and to promote effective and creative design in Property Print Advertising and the awards were open to any organisation placing a print property advertisement in any National, Regional or Trade publication on the Island of Ireland.
The advertisement which clinched the award for McConnell Martin was for The Ulster History Park at Omagh, which the firm has recently agreed for sale on behalf of Omagh District Council.
Commenting on the award, Rory McConnell, Head of Agency at McConnell Martin, said "We are delighted that McConnell Martin has been honoured with this prestigious award and all credit goes to our agency team and to our designer Mark McConville at Priory Press and Sean Mitchell at Mitchell Kane Associates who provided the original striking photographs of the Ulster History Park.
The news of our win was the icing on the cake, coming as it did at the end of the week during which we agreed terms to sell the Ulster History Park".
|
| New Outlet for Haffner Sausage |
| Premier Meats Open 11th NI Store |
|
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of the landlord, has agreed a letting of retail premises at 127 Antrim Road, Belfast, to local butchers chain Premier Meats Ltd.
The property, comprising some 750 sq ft, has been let on a new 3 year lease.
The Antrim Road shop will bring to eleven the number of outlets now operated by Premier, whose range of products include the famous Haffner sausage produced to a secret 100 year old recipe.
Commenting on the letting, Gareth McGimpsey at McConnell Martin said "Premier Meats, with their aggressive marketing and varied selection of products, will prove a welcome addition to trading in the vicinity of the Antrim Road".
For details of our Retail Agency Services please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 205 900
|
| Belfast Post Office Re-Location |
| New Premses Acquired for Royal Mail |
|
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of Royal Mail plc, have agreed the acquisition of new premises for the Main Post Office in Belfast City Centre.
The new property at Arnott House, on the corner of High Street and Bridge Street is part of the former Northern Ireland Electricity showroom and will comprise over 5,000 sq ft at ground floor level.
Following agreement of a new 15 year lease, shopfitting has started and the new Post Office is due to open in October.
McConnell Martin are retained by Royal Mail to market their leasehold interest in the existing Castle Place Post Office which will become surplus to requirements following the re-location.
Rory McConnell, who handled the acquisition at McConnell Martin, said "We were delighted to secure this double instruction, which came through our association with King Sturge, who are retained by Royal Mail to advise on a number of re-location scenarios across the UK".
Gary McDowell Chartered Surveyors acted for the Landlord.
For details of our Retail Agency Services please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 205 900
|
| Optician Eyes Up Bow Street |
| Another Retail Acquisition for Specsavers |
|
In the latest retail acquisition on behalf of retained clients, Specsavers, Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin has negotiated a new 15 year lease on prime ratail premises at 11 Bow Street, Lisburn.
The unit, formerly occupied by Clockwork Orange, was extended to accommodate Specsavers requirements and is due to open for business in the summer.
Specsavers have retained McConnell Martin exclusively on their property acquisition work throughout Northern Ireland for over a decade.
Osborne King acted on behalf of the Landlord. |
| Citigroup Inc Lease In Glengormley |
| Class 2 Retail Unit Let For Progressive |
|
McConnell Martin have agreed a letting of retail premises at 323 Antrim Road, Glengormley, on behalf of retained clients Progressive Building Society.
The tenant is Citifinancial Europe plc, a subsiduary of Citigroup Inc USA.
David Wilson at McConnell Martin, who negotiated the new 10 year lease, said:
"Both Landlord and Tenant very pleased with the deal ,which was particularly productive as the premises enjoyed a class 2 user, thus facilitating Citifinancial's time frame. We were successful in identifying a tenant before marketing had even commenced!"
For further information contact:
David Wilson
davidwilson@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| A Perfect Match |
| Eden Bridal Lease Newtownards Road |
|
It took David Wilson at McConnell Martin just two weeks to line up a tenant for these retail premises at 448 Newtownards Road, Belfast.
The new tenants are Eden Bridal and Lia Bridal Studio who are re-locating their growing business from the nearby Holywood Road.
The tenant has taken a 3 year lease with an option to extend thereafter.
McConnell Martin acted on behalf of the landlord, RL Cochrane & Co the well known menswear retailer who have premises next door.
David Wilson expressed his delight at having arranged the "happy marriage" within such a short period of marketing.
For further information contact:
David Wilson
davidwilson@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Bright Future For Warehouse |
| Letting To Lighting Concepts At Abbey |
|
Local company, Lighting Concepts, have taken a lease of the former Gas Junction retail warehouse unit at Abbey Trading Estate, Longwood Road, Newtownabbey.
The unit, extending to some 7,850 sq ft, was marketed by McConnell Martin jointly with DTZ, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company.
Abbey Trading Estate has attracted considerable tenant interest with other occupiers including Au Natural, Poundstretcher, Reid Furniture and Toytown.
Rory McConnell at McConnell Martin, who negotiated the letting, commented "although these units are effectively first generation sheds, their location in the heart of Newtownaabbey, coupled with a high profile front of road position, ensures continuing interest from retailers. The fact that the units enjoy open planning consent is a further advantage.
For further information contact:
Rory McConnell
+44 (0)28 90 205 900
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| For Sale - Ulster History |
| McConnell Martin/King Sturge Instructed |
|
McConnell Martin and King Sturge have been appointed as joint agents to market The Ulster History Park at Omagh, Co Tyrone, together with the Lislap Self Catering Cottages and Gortin Glen Caravan and Camping Park.
The whole site comprises some 24.625 hectares (c. 60.8 acres) in the idyllic rural setting of Gortin Glen, some 7 miles from Omagh, the county town of Tyrone.
The Ulster History Park was developed by Omagh District Council and opened in 1990. It traces the history of human settlement in Ireland from prehistoric times up to the Plantation of Ulster in the seventeenth century.
Outside exhibits include replicas of a Mesolithic Camp; Neolithic Houses; Court, Wedge and Portal tombs; Bronze Age Stone Circle; the Fulacht Fiadh (late Bronze Age cooking place); the Rath or Ringfort and the Crannog, a defensive land settlement, of the early Christian period; the Monastic enclosure with its church, round tower and other structures; the Norman Motte and Bailie castle of the mediaeval period and the Manor House, Fortified Bawn, Cottages and Mill of the early seventeenth century.
The Lislap complex comprises 10 Northern Ireland Tourist Board approved self catering cottages – 4 x 3 bedroom, 4 x 2 bedroom and 2 x 1 bedroom. All of the cottages have living room / dining area, kitchen, shower room and separate w.c. One has been specifically adapted for disabled use. The cottages are fully equipped and furnished.
The caravan park has 24 tarmac berths each with electric power supply and car parking space. A spacious and sheltered purpose-built grass camping area caters for tents and trailer tents.
An amenities block provides shower and toilet facilities, including disabled, games room, television room, dishwashing facilities, laundry room, chemical disposal facilities and barbeque area.
Offers are invited for the property as a whole or in two separate lots.
For full details contact:
Rory McConnell
+44 (0)28 90 205 900
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| Major Belfast Retail Instruction |
| Prime City Centre Unit To Let 7,550 sq ft |
|
McConnell Martin are advising the Post Office on the proposed re-location of the main Belfast Post Office at Castle Junction.
This will result in a rare opportunity to acquire the leasehold interest in a substantial prime ground floor retail unit, located in the heart of Belfast close to the junction of Donegall Place and Royal Avenue.
McConnell Martin are instructed to offer the property to let by way of assignment - For full details of this opportunity contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 205 900
|
| Alliance Lease in East Belfast |
| New Constituency Office for Alliance Party |
|
Councillor Naomi Long, of The Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, has taken a lease of 26 Upper Newtownards Road, in East Belfast, for a new constituency Office.
The lease is for an initial period of just six months pending the outcome of the currently suspended Northern Ireland Assembly, where Councillor Long is one of six Alliance Party MLAs.
As Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin, who negotiated the deal, commented "Hopefully the Assembly will be up and running again in the not too distant future and we will be able to turn this small letting into a long term one!"
For Agency Advice Please Contact:
Rory McConnell or Caroline Dixon
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| Debenhams Arrive at Rushmere |
| Completed Shell Handed Over On Time |
|
Debenhams, who will anchor the next phase at Rushmere Shopping Centre, Craigavon, have taken over their shell store for fitting out.
The unit was delivered on time by developers Central Craigavon Ltd and the new extension is on target for opening on 21st October 2004.
William Evans from Stannifer, JV partners in the development, is pictured handing over the key of the new store to Jim Murphy of Debenhams. Looking on is His Worship the Mayor of Craigavon, Councillor TJI Fox.
Caroline Dixon at letting agents McConnell Martin reports considerable interest in the additional 12 mall units which the new southern extension will provide. "We have some 70% of the extension agreed with over six months still to go before target opening date".
For Further Information on Rushmere, Please Contact:
Caroline Dixon or Rory McConnell
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900
|
| Ulster History Park Closes |
| Property to be offered for Sale |
|
Omagh District Council has announced that the Ulster History Park, a Council owned tourist facility near Gortin, Co Tyrone, and the adjoining Lislap Self Catering Cottages and Caravan Park are to close.
The decision was taken at a Special Meeting of the Council’s Development Committee in December, and came about following a strategic review undertaken by King Sturge's Bristol office in association with McConnell Martin.
The property, which comprises some 60 acres in total, will be marketed for sale jointly by the two firms in the near future.
The Council, in accepting the review findings and recommendations, acknowledged that the difficulties experienced in the tourism sector generally in recent years, including a failure to achieve the ambitious visitor number projections and an explosion of attractions competing for a finite number of visitors, coupled with a slowed economic climate, had contributed to this outcome. It also acknowledged the view of the Consultants that it was an anomaly for a local authority to manage a facility of this size and that it would more appropriately be a function of regional government.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Rory McConnell
+44(0)28 90 205 900
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
|
| An All-American Deal |
| Carrickfergus Factory Sold for £1.7m |
|
McConnell Martin, acting for the vendor, has negotiated the sale of a 61,000 sq ft factory at Carrickfergus, Co Antrim at a price of £1.7m.
The vendor is a subsidiary of Marmon Group Inc. which is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, and the purchaser is Kiel Laboratories Inc. from Gainesville, Georgia USA, which has chosen Carrickfergus for their first manufacturing plant in Europe.
McConnell Martin secured the sale instruction with help from their King Sturge CORFAC® International network.
Explaining how the instruction came about, David Wilson who handled the sale at McConnell Martin said, "We heard that Getty Connections, who manufactured electrical components, were closing their Carrickfergus factory and we established that they were owned by an American company, Marmon Group Inc. In an effort to secure an instruction, we asked for assistance from anyone in CORFAC® who could introduce us to Marmon and the connection was made for us by a broker in our associate office at Voit Commercial in Anaheim, California.
So there you have it, international networking at its best – a property in Co Antrim sold by an owner in Illinois to a purchaser from Georgia, by an estate agent in Belfast with help from a broker in Los Angeles!"
For Further Information on Agency Services or our International Network please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel +44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| New Record for Belfast Land |
| Industrial Site Makes £727,500/acre |
|
A site of 1.89 acres in the Duncrue / North Foreshore area of Belfast has sold for a record price equivalent to £727,500 per acre - believed to be over £100k more than the previous highest industrial land price in Northern Ireland.
The site situated in Belfast's foremost industrial/warehouse location, adjacent to the M2 Motorway and approximately 2 miles from the city centre, was offered for sale by auction by joint auctioneers McConnell Martin and Campbell Cairns.
Commenting on the successful sale, Gareth McGimpsey at McConnell Martin said "This sale demonstrates the continuing strong market for industrial land and property in the Duncrue area"
For further information contact:
Gareth McGimpsey
garethmcgimpsey@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Public Consultation at Craigavon |
| Development Options Move Forward |
|
Craigavon Borough Council has appointed RPS Consultants and McConnell Martin to advise on the options for the development of the South Lake area of Craigavon, Co Armagh.
The Council's objective is to provide an overall and coherent vision for South Lake and identify proposals for environmental improvements, new development and traffic management/access measures.
The Council aims to ensure that the local community derives the maximum potential from the lands in the Council's ownership within the subject area.
An exhibition at The Civic Centre, Craigavon, will be followed by a public presentation of the various development options under consideration.
For further information please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 205 900 |
| Holland and Barrett Retail Search |
| Nationwide Appointment on Major Expansion |
|
Holland and Barrett, the UK's leading retailer of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements, has appointed King Sturge as their sole retained agents on property acquisitions throughout the UK.
McConnell Martin, the King Sturge associate office in Belfast, will be advising on the search for further outlets in Northern Ireland.
Holland and Barrett are keen to add to their already well established network of stores in the province, focussing initially on Belfast City Centre.
Rory McConnell at McConnell Martin said "This instruction came as a result of our formal association with King Sturge and is one of an increasing number of jobs which we are working on as part their extensive network of regional offices."
For further information please contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 90 205 900 |
| Rushmere Smells Success |
| New Outlet for Perfume Shop |
|
The Perfume Shop have opened their latest Northern Ireland store at Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon.
The west mall unit, comprising around 600 sq ft, is situated alongside another recent arrival, New Look.
Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin is marketing the last few opportunities in the existing centre as well as new units which are under construction alongside the Debenhams extension.
For Further Information Please Contact:
Caroline Dixon or Rory McConnell
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| City Centre Retail Letting |
| Second Belfast site for Friends Cafe |
|
McConnell Martin, acting for private landlords, have completed a leting of this prominent ground floor unit comprising approximately 1,900 sq ft at Sinclair House, Royal Avenue in Belfast city centre.
The lease to Friends Cafe for a new coffee shop is for a period of 10 years at a rental of £45,000 per annum. The tenant will have a break option at year 5.
The property came to the market at the end of July when Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin reported considerable interest from local coffee shop operators.
The acquisition by Friends Cafe will consolodate their presence on Royal Avenue where they already have one outlet.
For Agency Advice Please Contact:
Rory McConnell or Caroline Dixon
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| Newry City Centre Site Sold |
| 1.3 Acres in Monaghan Street makes £915k |
|
McConnell Martin has successfully negotiated the sale of a 1.3 acre development site at Monaghan Street in the centre of Newry, Co Down.
The site, which had planning consent for the development of a foodstore and associated car parking made slightly more than the £900,000 asking price.
The purchaser, a local property development company, has successfully applied for planning consent for a prestigious development of own door office and retail units.
Rory McConnell at McConnell Martin negotiated the sale on behalf of retained clients
For Agency Advice Please Contact:
Rory McConnell or Caroline Dixon
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| Double Retail Success in Lisburn |
| Two units let in prime Bow Street |
|
Two prime retail units at 60 & 60a Bow Street, Lisburn have been let by McConnell Martin to local fashion retailer, Sub-Station, on a 10 year lease at a rent of £42,000 per annum.
The units are located between the pedestrianised part of Bow Street and the recently extended Bow Street Mall shopping centre, benefiting from a high pedestrian flow between the two.
Neighbouring occupiers include Brogan Opticians, Carphone Warehouse, Iceland, Vodafone and Snappy Snaps.
The new tenant proposes to amalgamate the two units to create a large retail store with great prominence fronting onto Bow Street.
Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin negotiated the letting on behalf the private local landlords.
For Agency Advice Please Contact:
Rory McConnell or Caroline Dixon
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| Annesborough Sale Completed |
| Warehousing and Land make £485K |
|
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of the vendors, has sold a warehouse building of some 9,900 sq ft on a site of c. 3.59 acres for £485,000 at Annesborough Industrial Estate, Lurgan, Co Armagh.
The property overlooks the M1 motorway close to Junction 10.
Caroline Dixon at McConnell Martin, who negotiated the sale to A1 Marsden Recovery, said: "The location and the additional land for possible future development were the two main factors which appealed to this purchaser."
For Agency Advice Please Contact:
Rory McConnell or Caroline Dixon
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| New Look, Game for Craigavon |
| Two More Lettings at Rushmere Shopping |
|
McConnell Martin, acting on behalf of the Landlords Central Craigavon Ltd, have completed two further lettings in the Rushmere Shopping Centre at Craigavon.
Game have opened in 2,411 sq ft on the main mall beside Our Price Music and New Look have taken Unit 5, comprising some 4,739 sq ft on the West Mall.
Work has also started on the next 150,000 sq ft extension at Rushmere, which will open in the Autumn of 2004. In addition to a new Debenhams department store, the Southern Extension will provide a further 14 retail units.
For Further Information Contact:
Caroline Dixon
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900
|
| Prime Development Sites for Sale |
| Two Lots for Auction on October 22nd |
|
McConnell Martin has received instructions, jointly with Campbell Cairns, to offer for sale by auction two prime Belfast development sites.
Sites 1 & 2 at M2 Business Park on Belfast's Duncrue Industrial Estate provide development opportunities in one of Belfast's most sought after locations adjacent to the M2 motorway and within minutes of the Port of Belfast.
The adjoining sites, which will be offered as two seperate lots, comprise in total some 4.41 acres (site 1: c.2.52 acres; site 2: c.1.89 acres).
The properties previously formed part of a larger site which benefitted from planning consent for trade showrooms with associated warehouse/storage accommodation. Interested parties will be required to satisfy themselves with regard to planning as no seperate consents have been sought for the individual sites.
For further information please contact:
Gareth McGimpsey
garethmcgimpsey@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900
|
| Dish Comes to Ormeau Road |
| Belfast's Trendiest New Restaurant |
|
McConnell Martin have completed two new retail lettings on Belfast's Ormeau Road, to the south of the city centre.
The two new units, created by redeveloping the ground floor of what was formerly Elizabeth Boyd Fashions, have gone to Action Cancer and Dish Restaurant.
So popular is Dish that booking seems essential at Belfast's latest gastronomic offering, opened by local butcher Nigel McCreery.
For further information please contact:
Gareth McGimpsey
garethmcgimpsey@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| Matalan for Rushmere |
| Retail Park Letting at Craigavon |
|
Matalan are to enter the Province for the first time with a new store opening at Rushmere Retail Park, in Craigavon Co Armagh.
The retailer will take the last remaining unit in the park comprising some 20,000 sq ft at ground floor level and will construct a full cover trading mezzanine floor.
Rushmere has the Open Class 1 planning consent required for Matalan who will join an already strong retail lineup including Homebase, Peacocks, Harry Corry, JJB Sprort and Carpetright.
Also at Rushmere, construction work has started on a major extension to the covered mall shopping centre, where Debenhams are signed up as anchor tenants.
McConnell Martin act for Rushmere Owners, Central Craigavon Ltd. Osborne King represented Matalan.
For further information contact:
Rory McConnell or Caroline Dixon
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| £20m Belfast Investment Deal |
| Cleaver House Acquired for Client |
|
In one of the biggest investment deals in Northern Ireland this year, McConnell Martin, acting jointly with King Sturge, have acquired the landmark Cleaver House, in Belfast City Centre, on behalf of a private local investor.
In an off-market deal, the investment was acquired from Prudential Portfolio Managers, for £19.35m, reflecting an initial yield of 5.2%.
Formerly the Robinson & Cleaver department store, this prime retail and office building occupies a prominent corner location on Donegall Place and Donegall Square North, opposite City Hall.
Tenants include DHSS, Legal & General, Arcadia, Footlocker and Burger King.
Commenting on the acquisition McConell Martin Senior Partner, Jack Hood, said, 'This major investment acquisition, executed off the market, demonstrates advantages of our strong association with King Sturge.
It was a classic example of our local knowledge working alongside their national strength to deliver the product our client was seeking."
For Further Information Contact:
Jack Hood OBE FRICS
jackhood@mcconnellmartin.com
+44 (0)28 90 205 900 |
| Royal Avenue Retail in Demand |
| Prime Coffee Shop Hits Market |
|
Within minutes of the 'To Let' posters going up on a prominent Belfast retail unit, McConnell Martin's phones were ringing with enquiries.
The former coffee shop at 95-101 Royal Avenue, is expected to let for a similar use following an initial flurry of interest from several local operators.
Situated on the ground floor of Sinclair House, this superb unit occupies a prominent corner site at the junction of Royal Avenue and North Street, in the heart of Belfast City Centre.
Previously utilised as a coffee shop, the unit is finished to include part wooden and part tiled floor, plastered and painted walls, feature recessed spot lights, Vent-Axia air handling system, fitted counters and display units and roller shutters.
'I hardly had time to get back to the office having put up the To Let posters before the phones were buzzing' said Caroline Dixon, Associate at McConnell Martin, 'we are quoting a rental of £48,000 per annum and, given the high level of interest I will be surprised if we don't see this particular coffee shop open for trade again very soon.'
For Further Details Contact
Caroline Dixon
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
028 90 205 900
|
| Class 1 Retail Warehouse at Abbey |
| Retail Instruction with Open Consent |
|
McConnell Martin, jointly with DTZ McCombe Pierce, have received instructions from Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company to market a unit at Abbey Trading Estate in Newtownabbey.
Unusually the property benefits from an Open Class One Planning Consent - most new retail warehouse developments in Northern Ireland are restricted to 'Bulky Goods'.
The unit with c.7,850 sq ft, is located directly opposte the highly successful AbbeyCentre and other neighbouring retailers include Au Naturale, PC World, Toytown, Reid Furniture and Poundstretcher.
For full details contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Caroline Dixon
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel 028 90 205 900
|
| Lanyon Place Management |
| New Appointment for McConnell Martin |
|
McConnell Martin have been appointed managing agents for No.9 Lanyon Place, a landmark building within the Laganside regeneration area in Belfast.
Developed in 2001 by Dunloe Ewart and acquired, as part of Dunloe's Northern Ireland portfolio, by a local property investment company, No.9 Lanyon Place, known colloqially as 'The Fujitsu Building', shares a key island site with the Waterfront Hall, BT Tower and the Belfast Hilton Hotel.
Tenants in No.9 Lanyon Place are Fujitsu Telecommunications Europe and Northbrook Technology.
For property management enquiries please contact:
Charles Harper MRICS
charlesharper@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| South Belfast 'Hybrid' Sold |
| Investment/Development makes £455k |
|
McConnell Martin, acting for a private family client, has sold an investment property, with longer term development potential, at Lorne Street, South Belfast, for £455,000.
The property, which occupies a site of some two thirds of an acre, comprises separate warehouse and office buildings let on two leases producing £29,500 per annum.
Both leases are due to expire in 2006.
Commenting on the sale, Rory McConnell at McConnell Martin said, “This was something of a hybrid – a possible development opportunity in the ever popular South Belfast district with the benefit of short term income from the two leases. Whilst no planning application had been made for redevelopment, the sale price achieved, which gives the purchaser a net initial investment yield of just over 6%, clearly reflected the longer term development potential in the site.”
For Further Information on our Agency Services Please Contact:
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Caroline Dixon
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
Tel +44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Rushmere Attracts Debenhams |
| 150,000 sq ft Extension at Craigavon |
|
A new extension to Rushmere sub-regional shopping centre in Craigavon, Northern Ireland, is to gain the first full range department store in the area, following the announcement of a deal with Central Craigavon Limited, a joint venture between Stannifer and CCS (NI) Limited, and Debenhams.
Debenhams will trade on 5,110 sq m (55,000 sq ft) over two floors. The store will be constructed as part of the 13,935 sq m (150,000 sq ft) extension to the existing Rushmere centre. The addition of the department store and new unit shops, due to open no later than Spring 2005, will significantly enhance shopping facilities in Craigavon.Stannifer, the Stratford-upon-Avon-based property and development group, refurbished and extended the Centre to 27,870 sq m (300,000 sq ft) in 1999.
The new extension will provide additional unit shops, which will be particularly attractive to fashion retailers. On completion the Centre will total in excess of 41,805 sq m (450,000 sq ft) with 1700 car parking spaces.
William Evans of Stannifer, said: “There has long been demand for a good quality department store in Craigavon and we believe that the arrival of Debenhams will be welcomed by Rushmere’s existing shoppers as well as customers who will be drawn in from further afield.”
“We are talking to a number of high profile fashion retailers who are interested in taking space in the new units adjacent to the department store and we expect to announce the new tenants soon.”
A Debenhams spokesperson commented: “Debenhams is always looking to expand its offer to new catchment areas. At Rushmere we have found a quality environment that matches the ambience our customers expect from us within our stores.”
McConnell Martin is Sole Letting Agent at Rushmere
For further information on retail opportunities at Rushmere contact:
Caroline Dixon
carolinedixon@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Development Site Under Hammer |
| Strong Bidding at Auction Sale |
|
A development opportunity at Edinburgh Street, off the Lisburn Road, in South Belfast has been sold at auction by McConnell Martin.
The property, comprising workshop offices and stores, had full planning permission for 7 residential units, comprising 4 single and 3 two-bedroom apartments.
The guide price was "excess of £250,000" and on the day strong bidding resulted in a sale at £286,000.
Auctioneer Rory McConnell was delighted with the result, "We had great interest in this property from developers and builders and on the day there were six or seven different bidders. Our client was over the moon!"
For further information on Sales by Auction contact
Jack Hood
jackhood@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Holywood Offices in Demand |
| Two lettings at new development |
|
A new office development at Holywood, Co Down, has attracted two tenants, with units let to Ballymoney Power and The Mortgage Packaging Company.
The development, at the top of the town, was designed by local architect Rory Graham to provide flexibility for letting either as a whole, in floors or as four individual suites.
Dedicated on-site car parking proved an added bonus from the marketing perspective.
Two further suites are available - 585 sq ft at first floor and 985 sq ft at second.
Further Information from Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
or
Gareth McGimpsey
garethmcgimpsey@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Orange Expansion |
| McConnell Martin seek new outlets |
|
Through their association with King Sturge, McConnell Martin has been appointed to seek additional retail outlets for mobile phone operator, Orange.
Commenting on the instruction, Gareth McGimpsey at McConnell Martin said "we are concentrating on filling in the gaps in the Orange retail network accross Northern Ireland, with targets including Forestside; West Belfast and Coleraine".
For further information contact
Gareth McGimpsey
garethmcgimpsey@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Progressive Appointment |
| Instruction from NI's Own Building Society |
|
Prrogressive Building Society have appointed McConnell Martin as their principal property advisors in Northern Ireland.
David Wilson, who joined McConnell Martin from Alexander Kinnaird & Co., will head up the instruction and already he is involved in a number of rent reviews on behalf of the Society.
The Progressive was formed in 1914 and is now one of the "Top 20" building societies in the United Kingdom.
For further information contact
David Wilson
davidwilson@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| New Carpetright Unit at Abbey |
| Retailer joins strong line-up |
|
Carpetright have signed for a 1000 sq m (10,000 sq ft) unit at Abbey Retail Park in Newtownabbey, north of Belfast.
McConnell Martin negotiated the deal on behalf of Abbey Retail Park Ltd, a joint venture between Stannifer and Eastonville Traders.
A new record rental of £17.50 per sq ft was established at the park, which already boasts Tesco, B&Q and Currys as tenants.
Carpetright join Tesco, B&Q and Currys to complete Phase 1 at Abbey.
Further Information from Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
|
| Sprucefield Construction Underway |
| Christmas Opening for Retail Park |
|
Construction of the new Sprucefield Centre is well underway with Whitemountain, the roads contractor, working on the infrastructure inprovements which will result in a new motorway link-road joining the M1 with the main A1 Dublin Road.
The first phase of the new Park will comprise some 230,000 sq ft of retail warehouse space.
The tenant line up includes pre-lettings to Sainsbury's who will trade from 80,000 sq ft with B&Q taking 100,000 sq ft plus garden centre & builders yard and Currys re-locating into around 28,500 sq ft.
Only two units of 10,764 sq ft each remain available in what has been described by the Department for Regional Development as "the only out-of-town Regional Shopping Centre in Northern Ireland."
Completion of the retail park is expected in time for Christmas 2003 trading.
Further Information from Rory McConnell
rorymcconnell@mcconnellmartin.com
+44(0)28 90 205 900
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