Global property consultancy Knight Frank has been appointed to design and project manage a major refurbishment of an industrial unit at 41 Abbotswell Road, a project worth £1.1m.

Acting on behalf of Heyshaw Investments Ltd, Knight Frank has provided architectural and project management services to provide a purpose built 8,800 sq ft facility for the incoming tenant.

Tesco Corporation, a Canadian Casing Drilling, Top Drive and Tubular Services Company, who provide the design, manufacture and service of technology based solutions for the energy industry, currently occupy the adjoining Unit D2 Abbotswell Road but are looking to expand into new service lines and are due to move into the refurbished unit following completion at the end of November 2008.

Knight Frank's building consultancy department carried out the initial feasibility study as well as prepared full architectural designs and initial cost plans to incorporate Tesco Corporation's specific requirements. To accommodate the expansion plans for Tesco Corporation, Knight Frank has included a high bay workshop incorporating a 20 tonne crane, and an access ramp between both sites which will create an interconnected working environment.


Work is currently underway on site and the project started with the demolition of part of the existing warehouse, to accommodate the new workshop. Within the new facilities a new internal office extension and mezzanine floor has also been created. The unit also required external refurbishment of the existing warehouse and office annexe, as well as external ground-works. This included a 2,400 m2 yard extension.

Roddy Morrison, associate, Knight Frank in Scotland, said: "We have carried out a significant redevelopment of the property to incorporate the specific needs of Tesco Corporation. In doing so we have tried to utilise where possible the existing structures and adapt them to meet the tenant’s requirements which has resulted in cost savings and reduced the overall programme."

Knight Frank's agency department in Scotland has also played a fundamental part in this project, handling negotiations with Tesco Corporation to take on the lease at unit D2 and more recently at 41 Abbotswell Road. Knight Frank will continue to manage the project until the property’s refurbishments is completed in November.

(GK/JM)