Two former World War Two barrage balloon hangars have been extensively refurbished to create unique warehouse space, one of which is available to let.
Named Boyd and Lincoln, after two commanders of the RAF Balloon Command during World War Two, Air Vice-Marshal Owen Tudor Boyd and Air Commodore P L Lincoln, the Grade II listed hangars are based at Pucklechurch Industrial Estate in Pucklechurch, East of Bristol.
Having laid vacant and dilapidated for many years, consent was granted last year to refurbish the hangars, which benefit from 12-metre eaves, twice the height of conventional industrial buildings of this size.
The refurbishment has resulted in strong interest from potential occupiers, with Lincoln having been let to local company, Fairway Engineering. The firm have signed a new lease to accommodate its expansion and its need for a modern manufacturing facility.
JLL and Knight Frank are the joint letting agents. Building surveyors, Malcolm Hollis, oversaw the refurbishment process.
Henry de Teissier, of JLL in Bristol, said: “The transformation of these iconic World War Two hangars is nothing short of remarkable. The ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos speak for themselves. Both properties have been refurbished to a high standard and offer a quality warehouse in a supply starved market. With the severe lack of industrial space in the east Bristol and Bath area, Pucklechurch is well placed to capitalise on the demand from occupiers.”
Josh Gunn, from Knight Frank, commented: “Fairway Engineering have been in the market for a while, and when they realised the extent of the refurbishment being undertaken, they were as excited as us about the project. The location not only provides good distribution links but is close enough for existing staff members to commute with little inconvenience.”
Boyd is currently available, providing 9,850 sq ft, with large external areas for parking and loading. Other features include: 24-hour access, two electric loading doors and 26 parking spaces, with the potential for more if required.
Will Pasco, associate at Malcolm Hollis, said: “This was a particularly challenging project given the listed status of both buildings and the requirement to retain the form and proportions of the original buildings. Thankfully, the primary steel structures were found to be in good condition, however, due to the poor condition of the external cladding and patent glazing, these elements were replaced with modern equivalents. The refurbishment has preserved the form and historical importance of both buildings, whilst providing modern commercial space on a great estate.”
Pucklechurch Trading Estate is ideally situated between Bristol and Bath. The Avon Ring Road is in close proximity and provides direct access to the M32 and the national motorway network.
