ABC Guide-JAN2012.cdr - Bankier Sloan

INTRODUCTION
I am delighted to report that the last few months of 2011 has seen the
start of the long awaited development adjacent to the M40, with plans
recently announced for further expansion of this site. Some of the jobs
being created are new to the area. Some are as a result of the relocation
of existing companies who will leave behind, in one case, a number of
medium sized industrial units on Thorpe Way Industrial Estate.
Banbury is not a reflection of the UK economy as portrayed by many
national newspapers, parts of the local economy are progressing well.
I was interested to read in the autumn of 2011 the plans for Prodrive,
one of the regions great success stories. Their plans to take over the
former Hella building can only be applauded. On a personal note
however I was saddened to read of the plans to re-develop their
existing site for retail use. Their move could leave behind a
considerable number of small factory units, developed as they were in
the mid 1980's to support local enterprises. The site was not developed
with a single user in mind, as even a casual observer will appreciate.
It is nearly 10 years since any developer has constructed small workshop units within the town, and maybe a
way could be found to create a local enterprise zone on the current Prodrive site to encourage start-up industry. I
appreciate the proposed plans for the site show nearly 700 jobs in the retail sector, but would it not be better to
have 350, or even 250, involved in industry, creating added-value and therefore maybe a greater benefit to the
local economy? The Castle Quay Shopping Centre and the Banbury Retail Park already provide major retail
th
outlets. I wonder whether the town really wants, needs, or is even geared to have the 9 largest M & S in the
th
country. Do we want, or need, even the 59 largest such store? It must by its very nature be aiming to be a
regional pull. With everyone looking at the environmental impact of such developments do we want to
encourage motorway travel to a shop?
I would like to see a serious debate asking whether a new industrial job zone would not be more beneficial for
the town. I hope those in authority will take-up this debate. It would in my opinion, be sad to see the demise of
some exceptional small industrial units that are less than 25 years old. The last decade has seen the loss of much
local manufacturing industry. Many local skills are in place. Here is an opportunity to support and encourage
small scale enterprise. January 2012
BANKIER SLOAN Chartered Surveyors
Centrepoint, Chapel Square, Deddington, Banbury, Oxon, OX15 0SG
Tel: 01869 338866 email:reception@centre-p.co.uk www.centre-p.co.uk
PRIME INDUSTRIAL LOCATION
Thorpe Way, Banbury OX16 4SP.
10,000 sq ft Workshop & Offices plus
2,000 sq ft Mezzanine Floor. Offers in
the region of £700,000 plus VAT.
Unit 20, Thorpe Place.
1,500 sq ft Workshop and Offices.
New Lease.
£11,000 per annum.
Ian B Sloan FRICS
BANKIER SLOAN
11,200 sq ft Storage Unit.
Secure location within 4 miles of
Banbury Town Centre.
New Lease.
Rents between £2.50 / £3.75
per sq ft per annum.