Major move in waterfront regeneration

Preparatory work on land which is earmarked for offices, bars and restaurants within the 150m Waterfront Quarter scheme, could get under way next spring after Sellers Engineers concluded negotiations to move its operations to a new site at Trident Business Park, on Leeds Road, Huddersfield.

The firm, which manufactures finishing machines for the carpet industry, plans to move from its Chapel Hill site, where it has been based for 98 years, into the new 3m factory next March.

Peter McBride, Kirklees Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: "The council has worked very closely with all parties to ensure that Sellers identified a suitable site for their new home, consequently releasing a strategically important site which will only serve to enhance the impact of the emerging waterfront scheme."

Work on a 73m campus for Kirklees College is already under way at the development, with students expected to take up residence in September 2012.

Coun McBride added: "The council is committed to ensuring that our vision for a renewed and vibrant Waterfront Quarter is realised, as this development plays a major part in our regeneration strategy for Huddersfield.

"Bringing derelict waterside sites back into use as part of such an attractive and diverse development will drive demand from businesses and residents looking to relocate to a quality town centre environment, supporting existing businesses and creating employment opportunities."

Sellers' new site represents the final phase of the 27-acre Trident Business Park, which has been developed and sold in a phased approach by Landmark Development Projects over the last five years.

The area is already home to occupiers such as Mercedes Benz, Audi, The Instore Group and The Wolesley Group.

The land on which the Sellers facility will be built is owned by Aviva Investors Property Trust with Landmark retained to carry out the development work.

Property consultants Dove Haigh Philips acted for Sellers in securing the 15-year lease from Aviva Investors Property Trust, who were represented by Knight Frank.

GMI Construction has been appointed to build the factory and two-storey offices with 90 car-parking spaces. Work has now started on site and will complete in January 2011.

Chris Gilman, director of Landmark Development Projects, said: "Along with GMI Construction, we are working to a tight schedule to ensure a smooth and efficient move."

Mike Dove, partner at Dove Haigh Phillips, added: "We worked closely with all parties to negotiate the 15-year lease for Sellers which will enable them to create a future-proof facility for their operations."

Sellers' manufacturing base was originally founded almost a century ago to service the local textile industry, and the company has a second facility at Sellers of America, based in Dalton, Georgia, covering the US, Canada and South America.

David Armitage, chairman of Sellers, said: "Our new purpose-built facility will enable us to operate more efficiently and reduce costs. Our ability to offer specialised design and build services will benefit with manufacturing under one roof.

"The new facility will make a positive statement about manufacturing in Huddersfield and we are looking forward to occupying our new building at the flagship Trident Business Park next spring."

Engineering a big change

Kirklees Council hopes to start preparing Sellers Engineers' site for future regeneration in spring 2011.

The work will include demolishing existing buildings, remediating the site where required and providing suitable infrastructure to make the site ready for development.

The council is currently looking for developers who are interested in building offices, bars and restaurants on the land at Chapel Hill which forms part of Huddersfield's 150m Waterfront Quarter development.

Work on a 73m campus for Kirklees College is already under way.