Nottingham’s Enterprise Zone comes to market

  • Tim Garratt of Innes England with Mark Chivers of Boots 

One of the most significant regeneration sites to come to market in the East Midlands has taken a massive step forward – with the news that leading Midlands property agency, Innes England has been appointed by Boots to market the site.

The Boots site in Beeston, which is part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, received outline planning permission for around 900,000 sq ft of new commercial opportunities, 675 new homes and detailed planning permission for a new public highway in December 2014.

 Tim Garratt, managing director at Innes England, said: “Innes England is delighted to be working with Boots on this landmark scheme.  The Enterprise Zone will help shape the future of Nottingham’s growth and regeneration. Our work will help support this vitally important scheme which will generate jobs and economic growth.”

Mark Chivers, Enterprise Zone director at Boots, said: “We have been working with Innes England for the last two years and this is an extension to the work that has been done by the firm.

“This appointment is an important step forward as we begin to look at marketing the massive opportunities available on the Enterprise Zone.

“Innes England will assist us in creating a centre of gravity for health and wellbeing businesses.

 “It’s a hugely exciting project for Innes England and the Nottingham team and a project which they will be putting all of their energies into, attracting emerging businesses from the city and outlying regions, as well as prominent national and international firms.

Work is expected to start on a new road connecting Thane Road with Humber Road South in spring this year.

“Land is available from the third quarter of 2016 but some commercial sites can be available earlier,” said Tim.

“The site will become a fully integrated part of the wider Beeston and Nottingham communities. Development will be carried out to the highest possible environmental and sustainability standards, and will continue to maintain green spaces in order to allow ecology diversity to flourish and be enjoyed by all,” added Mark.

The 279 acre Boots site, which has been home to the UK’s leading pharmacy-led health and beauty retailer since it was bought by Jesse Boot in 1927 was awarded Enterprise Zone status in 2011 during a visit from Prime Minster David Cameron and his deputy Nick Clegg.

Significant progress has already been made at MediCity, the innovation hub and first business to open on the Boots site as part of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone in November 2013, which is now host to over 30 expanding companies who between them employ over 80 staff.

Funding partners for the development of the Enterprise Zone include D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership, Nottingham City Council and the Department for Communities and Local Government.