Bradford Estates, a leading landed estates business in the West Midlands, is gearing up for a significant expansion of its industrial property portfolio. Under the expert leadership of Managing Director Alexander Newport, the company is set to increase its industrial estates holdings by 50%. This growth is part of an exciting new investment drive aimed at bolstering the business’s diverse and sustainable growth strategy.
Bradford Estates: A History of Growth and Innovation
Established in 1066, Bradford Estates has a long and proud history of land ownership and development. The company’s core asset is a 12,000-acre landholding located at the crossroads of Shropshire and Staffordshire, a region used for regenerative farming, sustainable forestry, leisure, and commercial purposes. This includes real estate investment and development, with a strategic focus on acquiring and enhancing multi-let industrial estates.
For the past decade, Bradford Estates has focused on acquiring institutional-grade properties. The business has successfully built an impressive portfolio, which now spans 230,000 sq ft across eight industrial estates in England and Wales. Key occupiers include major brands like Screwfix, Halfords, Crown Paints, Euro Car Parts, and Plumbase, along with numerous regional and local businesses.
As part of its ongoing growth strategy, Bradford Estates is looking to acquire new industrial estates with an investment value between £1 million and £5 million. These acquisitions will require hands-on asset management and refurbishment, aligning with the company’s goal of long-term, sustainable growth.
Expansion Strategy: Acquiring and Revitalising Industrial Estates
Bradford Estates’ commitment to enhancing its industrial estates portfolio is clear. The company’s plan is not only to acquire new assets but also to actively improve and revitalise them over time. This investment approach focuses on properties located within two hours’ drive of the company’s headquarters or in the same regions as its current holdings. The aim is to create a spread of occupiers from various sectors, ensuring the long-term success and resilience of the estates.
Key Objectives for the Investment Strategy:
- Target Areas: Focus on sites located within two hours’ drive of Bradford Estates’ headquarters.
- Asset Revitalisation: Focus on properties in need of refurbishment, bringing them up to institutional-grade standards.
- Sustainability: Invest in sites within strong local economies to ensure long-term growth and resilience.
Leadership and Expertise Driving Expansion
At the helm of this ambitious expansion is Managing Director Alexander Newport, who brings over 20 years of experience as a commercial chartered surveyor. Newport’s career began at DTZ (now part of Cushman & Wakefield), where he trained as a surveyor and analyst. He later became a partner at Quadrant, a leading UK development and asset management business.
At Quadrant, Newport was instrumental in the development of more than 1 million sq ft of prime London office space and 2 million sq ft of retail parks. His vast experience working with global investors has provided him with the expertise needed to steer Bradford Estates toward becoming a significant property investment and development concern.
Newport’s vision for Bradford Estates is clear: “As part of the next phase of our strategy, we plan to acquire properties that can be enhanced over time within strong local economies.”
New Property Director Appointed to Support Growth
To further strengthen its expansion efforts, Bradford Estates has appointed Chris Hodson as Property Director. Chris, who joins in January, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as a director at Savills and Head of Property Management at HS2 Ltd.
Chris will work closely with Alexander Newport to identify new investment opportunities and manage the growing portfolio of industrial estates. According to Alexander Newport, “We are excited to have Chris join us to manage the existing portfolio and work with me on the new acquisitions. His extensive experience will be invaluable as we look to realise our ambitious growth plans.”
Bradford Estates’ Ongoing Development Projects
In addition to its industrial estate expansion, Bradford Estates is also focused on transforming its landholdings into vibrant mixed-use communities. One of the most exciting projects is Weston, a planned net-zero community located near Junction 3 of the M54 Growth Corridor, just a mile from Cosford train station. Weston is poised to become a model for sustainable living in the UK.
The planned development includes:
- 4 million sq ft of employment space
- 3,000 mixed-tenure homes
- A science and innovation campus in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton
- Medical centre, schools, and community buildings
Weston will also be a leader in renewable energy and sustainability, with plans to use leading renewable technologies and green infrastructure to reduce its carbon footprint. It is expected to transform 500 hectares of farmland into high-quality open spaces, all while delivering a biodiversity net gain from within the site itself.
Focus on Adaptable Commercial Spaces: The Business Villages Brand
Bradford Estates’ industrial strategy also includes the development of Business Villages, which repurpose surplus agricultural buildings into commercial units for local businesses. Currently, more than 150,000 sq ft of space has been converted into workshops, storage, light industrial, and retail units. These units are strategically located in rural areas with excellent access to transport routes and offer affordable prices to local businesses.
The Business Villages are designed to be adaptable and cost-effective, catering to the needs of small businesses that require flexible commercial spaces. Each unit is equipped with generous parking, and the estates are serviced to ensure maximum convenience for occupiers.
Conclusion: A Bright Future for Bradford Estates
Bradford Estates’ ambitious expansion plan reflects its commitment to long-term growth and sustainability. With a strong leadership team, a history of successful property acquisitions, and a focus on revitalising industrial estates, the company is well-positioned to build on its success and continue its role as a key player in the UK’s property investment sector.
Whether through acquiring new assets, revitalising existing estates, or developing new mixed-use communities like Weston, Bradford Estates is primed for success in the years to come. With its diverse portfolio, commitment to sustainable development, and hands-on approach to property management, Bradford Estates is poised to continue delivering exceptional value for its investors and tenants alike.
