Portsmouth: McLaren to dispose of North Harbour unit

The South Coast Agency team of national commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH) has been appointed by McLaren Group to dispose of its leasehold interest in Unit 2 Access Point, North Harbour, Portsmouth.

McLaren Automotive used the 40,004 sq ft unit for constructing the carbon body shells for the SLR McLaren Mercedes sports car. Following the successful conclusion of the SLR build programme, McLaren is now producing its own sports car - the MP4-12C. To support the introduction of a new McLaren road car, McLaren Automotive is constructing a new 350,000 sq ft facility at a plant in Woking.

After almost 10 years of successful operation, Unit 2 Access Point is now surplus to requirements.

Unit 2 Access Point is situated in a prominent location with easy access to the M27/A27 South Coast trunk road and benefits from a large self contained secure yard, separate car parking and air conditioned offices.

Jerry Vigus, director at LSH’s Fareham office, commented: “This is a significant instruction for LSH, and we have already had a large number of viewings on the unit. We are in detailed discussions with a number of occupiers who have expressed an interest in the property. Due to the lack of industrial/warehouse units available along the M27 corridor we are hopeful that a deal with a new occupier should be secured shortly.”

Vigus added: “During the initial stages of marketing the unit we have seen a number of occupiers becoming aware of the current lack of quality, modern units available in the region – in fact, only six detached industrial/warehouse units are available between Southampton and Portsmouth. A number of companies are running out of options and may have to consider Design and Build facilities if they are looking to relocate.”

LSH’s South Coast Agency team has recently completed some of the region’s most high profile transactions, including the letting of 125,000 sq ft at Hounsdown to SCA Recycling, the acquisition of 50,000 sq ft for Elmdene at Interchange Park in Portsmouth, and a 60,000 sq ft acquisition for James Hardie Building Products in Eastleigh. The team is also advising on a number of development and pre-let opportunities in an attempt to bring further industrial/warehouse space to the market in the region.