Screwfix heads to Beverley as first arrival at The Trade Yard

How the completed development at The Trade Yard is expected to look.

ONE of the biggest names in the UK’s construction and DIY sectors is heading for Beverley as a result of major improvements to one of the town’s industrial sites.

Screwfix has agreed a deal to become the first new arrival at Swinemoor Industrial Estate since the site of 7.24 acres was acquired just over a year ago by Hull-based Venture Business Parks, trading as Allenby Commercial.

More businesses are expected to follow Screwfix and further investment has already come from existing tenants at the site, which has also undergone a re-brand to become The Trade Yard.

Georgia Allenby, Design Co-ordinator for Venture Business Parks, said: “The Trade Yard will offer quality, stylish industrial and trade counter space. It has been very carefully designed to ensure we can cater for big business names as well as smaller local businesses.

“In the longer term we are planning another phase of development which will bring forward around 18,000 square feet but the focus at the moment is firmly on completing the first phase.

“Screwfix expect to be open for business at The Trade Yard in May and as a household name business their presence will underline the potential of the site to other prospective trade counter tenants.”

Venture Business Parks embarked on a major redevelopment programme after acquiring the site which is in an increasingly busy area of Beverley to the east of the town centre and close to the southern relief road.

Immediate tasks included demolition of old buildings on the site and improvements to infrastructure and access roads. Buildings which were retained have been re-cladded and external areas have bene landscaped.

The Screwfix combination of trade counters and online sales makes the company the UK’s largest multi-channel supplier in trade tools, plumbing, electrical, bathrooms and kitchens.

The company will occupy the first of two newly-built units, taking a total of 5,000 square feet. The second unit is similar size and can be sub-divided. Three other units of 3,000 square feet each will also become available in May.

Ms Allenby said: “After completing the demolition and the external works the steel has gone up and construction is well under way. The variety within the development enables us to offer a lot of options, from 2,500 square feet right up to the 18,000 square feet of phase two.

“It brings something totally different to the area, creating a new trade hub for tradesmen and the DIY sector. We expect The Trade Yard to be a one-stop-shop for all their requirements.

“One of the existing tenants, Lindera Lodges and Glamping Cocoon, has expanded its activities as a result of our investment. They have increased their space by about 50 per cent after taking another 13,000 square feet and we have carried out a refurbishment including re-cladding, painting, flooring and improved electricals to make the premises more bespoke for them.

“We are excited to be working with companies old and new and helping them expand. The whole area is abuzz with good news at the moment. Beverley has a great trading history and what we are doing here will reinforce that – giving small businesses the chance to operate in top quality facilities.”

Other existing tenants on the site include Bartoline, who occupy 28,000 square feet, and Derbybeech modular buildings with 62,000 square feet.

Dave Garness, Managing Director of Garness Jones, said: “This is a big and busy site with great potential which is now being unlocked as a result of the investment by Venture Business Parks.

“The arrival of Screwfix sends out a strong message about the quality of the site and its facilities, as does the investment by existing tenants. We are confident it will attract more occupiers, bringing new businesses and new jobs to the area.”