Office fit out company notes growing trend for warehouse and building conversions to cater for increasing demand for office space in London and surrounding counties, including Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
Despite Brexit, business continues to boom in the UK, causing demand for commercial property to soar. Over the past 10 years there has been a significant surge in start-ups and small businesses, which are expanding and requiring larger premises.
In recent months, JBH Refurbishments has experienced an increasing number of enquiries for warehouse and building conversions to provide office space for start-ups and expanding businesses in London the surrounding counties, including Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
According to a report by UK Property Index, the industrial property sector showed the strongest performance over the first quarter of 2017, returning 3.5%. Returns in the office and retail sector were also positive, at 2.1% and 1.5% respectively.
This research explains the increasing trend to convert warehouses, industrial units and disused properties for office space.
Interestingly, the report by UK Property Index, identifies London and the South as areas that outperformed the increase in commercial property market to the rest of the country, returning 2.4% compared to 1.9% in rest of UK, which would explain the trend in warehouse and building conversions that JBH has noted.
Why are Businesses Choosing to Convert Warehouses?
Businesses appear to be veering away from the busy city centre locations and favouring industrial units and disused buildings with:
- Substantial space for future growth
- Storage facilities
- Ample parking
- Easy access from major road routes
The options for an office fit out in a large warehouse are endless, which is the reason so many businesses are opting to develop warehouses to suit their needs. The space can be used in a multitude of variations – from large open plan offices to divided spaces for the rental market.
Rental Property
A warehouse or large building conversion poses a prosperous opportunity for a landlord or developer. Many start-ups and small businesses look for an affordable office space with a quality office fit out.
In this scenario, the large space can be divided using office partitioning, with central washroom rooms, an office kitchen and meeting rooms.
Depending on the height of the building, you can capitalise on the additional roof space, by installing a mezzanine floor, or several extra levels. Read about how we recently converted a warehouse in Kent for the rental market.
Capitalise on Your Unused Space
We’ve already talked about capitalising on the roof space, well this is also possible for businesses that currently use an industrial unit.
Installing a mezzanine floor into the roof space does not interfere with the existing floor space in an industrial unit, but it could considerably increase your income.
Being an office fit out company in Kent, we create stylish commercial refurbishments in warehouses across London and the South East that capture a lucrative market.
This sort investment could make a substantial impact on your bottom line and help you can capitalise on your unused space.
Warehouse and Building Conversions for an Expanding Business
A warehouse conversion offers a wealth of opportunity for expanding business. The large space can be developed to create a workplace that is ideal for your business.
You may choose to have an office fit out that uses the entire space to create an open plan office, or you may prefer to have partitioned offices for individual departments.
Glazed office partitioning is ideal for an expanding company. The glass office partitioning option gives the impression of an open plan space and lets the natural light pass through the rooms. Plus, glass office portioning with integrated blinds offer privacy when required.
Through installing a mezzanine floor, you can build additional office space upstairs. This could be open plan again, or divided with office partitioning into individual offices, meeting rooms, a boardroom, kitchen and washrooms.
What to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Property to Convert
To ensure you choose the right location and size premises for your warehouse or building conversion, the office design and layout must be well planned. From the very early stages you need to assess your day-to-day business needs and consider your business plan to future proof your new premises.
Things to consider:
- Anticipated growth in terms of employees verses the available space
- Access for deliveries, visitors and staff
- Security – does the premises and surrounding area have CCTV and/or industrial fencing?
- Flooding – is the property prone to flooding and does it have suitable drainage?
- Internet connection and wifi – some rural warehouses and industrial units will experience limited internet connection. This is something you MUST check!
- Heating supply – a rural location could mean the warehouse conversion requires dual heating and air conditioning system. Alternatively, the heating may run on oil
What’s Next?
Provided you have found your warehouse, industrial unit or disused building for conversion, you need to source a reputable office fit out company.
At JBH Refurbishments, we have the expertise and vision to transform commercial property. When it comes to warehouse and building conversions, first of all we assess the available space. We then develop a range of office design ideas that will ultimately benefit your business and your workforce. Once the designs are approved we promptly begin work on site and work towards your completion date. To find out more about warehouse and building conversions contact our team.
