Former bodyshop lets to Exeter Sports Academy

Hudson & Co. are pleased to report

the letting of the former Helston Garages bodyshop, on Marsh Barton, to Exeter Sports Academy.   Pictured are Geoff Hellings, the Landlord, Sue Penrose of Hudson & Co. and Ben Cheriton of Exeter Sports Academy.    Joint agents were Stratton Creber Commercial.

The property is located in a prominent position at 33 Marsh Green Road, close to the Grace Road Link with Sainsburys, and forms a rectangular plot of approx. 0.70 acre with a building of approx. 16,025 sq ft.

David Edwards of Hudson & Co. comments:  “this is a very exciting opportunity and a departure from the normal use of the property.   Unfortunately the property became vacant at a time when the industrial market was struggling with poor demand and an over-supply of floor-space.   It seemed that demand from industrial occupiers had all but disappeared during the period of recession and even the distribution sector was producing very few property requirements.   This required some free-thinking and a flexible and patient landlord !

The property profession has a habit of treating the “unusual requirement” with a degree of suspicion; however, not at Hudson & Co. !   In this particular instance the proposed use required a planning permission for change of use, which in itself presented a challenge, and the building itself required substantial modification.   Fortunately Exeter City Council saw the benefits of the proposal and granted a planning permission, and after a lengthy period of negotiation a deal was struck that allowed the tenant to proceed with their investment whilst at the same time giving the landlord long term security, an improved building and an enhanced rent.”

Exeter Sports Academy are proposing an exciting mix of facilities, offering two indoor five-a-side sports pitches that can double up as courts, a gym and fitness suite, and various  areas for local sports clubs and martial arts groups to use.   Outside there is ample parking and the location is close to a regular bus route.  Ben Cheriton of ESA comments “there is an acute shortage of sports facilities in the city, and Exeter Sports Academy hope to attract individuals, clubs, and professional personal trainers who up to now have found it difficult to find venues of this calibre”.   Exeter Sports Academy will open at the end of April 2014 and can be contacted on 01392 343100.  Their opening times will be Mon – Fri 07.00 – 22.00 and Sat/Sun 09.00 – 19.00