£600,000 revamp of business units means more jobs

PNH Properties has bought 16 industrial units along Durban Road.

The Petersfield-based commercial property specialist is spending some 600,000 completely refurbishing the buildings.

The result will be more than 78,000sq ft of high quality industrial and office space.

The work is being carried out in three phases. The first has just started and the final one is due to be completed next August.

The upgrading and its impact on the image of Durban Road has been welcomed by one of PNH's tenants, Russell Skinner.

His firm, RS Couriers, has been based there since 1993.

He said: 'PNH Properties buying the properties is the best thing to happen in Durban Road for a long time.

'We initially thought that PNH's arrival would mean that all the units would be demolished and replaced by flats.

'But PNH don't do that. They are looking to bring companies into here and their arrival is a good move for the estate.'

The appearance of Durban Road has been criticised in recent years as businesses have moved out. Vandalism has also taken its toll on the premises.

But PNH's commercial property manager, Brigham Young, said the firm was determined to make a positive impact on Bognor for the long term.

'There is a rebirth of the town taking place. We feel that all the south coast is being regenerated but Bognor had the most potential as far as we are concerned and Arun District Council isre looking the same way as us.'

Mr Young said PNH was also able to buy the premises, which he described as run-down, at a price which offered good value.

'Opportunities like this don't come along very often. Somebody might want to turn the whole site into residential use but that's not what we are about,' he stated.

The premises, which will be known as the Castlegrove Business Park, were occupied many years ago by the likes of Hago Wire Products.

They have three current tenants. As well as RS Couriers, these are Eaton Power Solutions and Apollo Inks.

Mr Young said they could soon by joined by more firms. Interest in moving into the revamped units was high.

A series of potential tenants had been shown around the first phase where improvements works were underway. It was hoped this would soon lead to more jobs in the road.

The improvements are being carried out by local contractors and skilled craftsmen.

Mr Young stressed that problems such as vandalism would be tackled immediately to keep the buildings looking good.

PNH's subsidiary, Castlegrove Business Park Ltd, will manage the properties. It is one of six sites owned by the firm.

Cllr Norman Dingemans, in charge of Arun's economic and cultural regeneration work, said: 'Bognor is undergoing a considerable and fast-moving programme of regeneration.

'It is because of this that businesses like PNH Properties are making such a statement of intent.

'Investment of this kind flies in the face of recent claims that there is little or no requirement for industrial space in Bognor.

'This one company alone will provide the opportunity for hundreds of jobs to the area and provide quality space for local businesses to take advantage of.'