Mason Owen finds an office for expanding Health Care Company
Assura made the decision because the company has outgrown its current premises in Chester, where it has been based for the last four years.
The new premises at Daresbury will pave the way for a gradual increase in staff from the current northern based headcount of 130 to around 220.
Liverpool property consultants Mason Owen identified the premises after being commissioned to seek new accommodation for Assura.
Impressed with the three-storey, Grade A office space, spanning 54,000 sq ft, and taking advantage of the current softening of yields in the commercial property market, Assura agreed to purchase the building for £11m, equating to a net initial yield of 7.4%.
Assura will occupy one floor (18,000 sq ft) of the building. Other occupants of the building include H&S Administration and DeWitt.
The building’s proximity to the M56 Preston Brook interchange – giving quick access to the national motorway network, its accessibility to Manchester airport and the national rail network via Runcorn Station, were key factors influencing the move to Daresbury.
Assura Group is one of the leading investors in, and providers of primary health care in the UK. It owns a portfolio of state-of-the-art GP surgeries around the UK, operates a chain of pharmacies and partners with GPs to deliver NHS clinical services to patients in local communities.
Assura has invested or committed over £575m on health facilities across the UK and is on track to commit £750m by the end of 2009. It has a considerable presence in Cheshire, with facilities in Macclesfield, Crewe, Sandbach, Barnton and Winsford, plus one under construction in Nantwich.
Chris Connor of Mason Owen, based in Union Court, Liverpool, said: “Assura has seen remarkable growth recently and required larger premises with space for future expansion.
“We searched for suitable premises, initially on a lease basis, for Assura and located Daresbury Park. It is such an ideal location because of its closeness to the motorway network.
“Assura’s immediate requirements were for a section of the building but the company recognised the potential to expand into other areas in the future and managed to purchase the entire building at a competitive price. The acquisition will not affect existing tenants.”
Assura’s Chief Executive Richard Burrell said: “This is a great deal for Assura because it enables the company to take on three times the floor space that we have in our existing accommodation in Chester and, with the way we have financed the acquisition of the building and the benefit of rent from the other tenants, we have been able to effectively halve our HQ premises costs. The new premises will provide us with an environment that fits absolutely with our commitment to provide quality office premises for our staff.”
The move from the existing premises is expected to be completed by the end of July.
For Mason Owen & Partners, Chris Connor handled the lease side of the contract and Simon Bland negotiated the acquisition of the building for Assura.
Mr Connor added: “As soon as we saw the building at Daresbury Park we knew it was perfect. Assura has built up a nationwide reputation for quality health premises, working in partnership with GP practices and NHS Primary Care Trusts. They needed an office for their staff that matched the facilities they provide for GPs and patients.”
Cllr Tony McDermott, leader of Halton Borough Council said: “We are delighted Assura Group is relocating its head office to Halton. Daresbury Park is a neighbour to the exciting Daresbury Science Park, providing state-of-the-art facilities for business in a perfect environment. The park is on the doorstep of the M56 giving easy access to our national motorway network.
“Assura joins a growing list of companies and organisations that are seeing the benefits of Daresbury and Halton.”
联络详情:
Chris Connor
0151 242 3034