Debenhams Chooses Leeds for Distribution

THE well-known retailer has agreed a 27 year lease on a 667,000 sq ft warehouse unit, in a deal that is said to be the largest regional industrial property letting of the year. Work has already commended on the colossal operation of fitting-out the new facility, with the retailer expecting to occupy the premises by June next year.

The development has been managed by Evander Properties, with the Park comprising a total of 1.4m sq ft of industrial accommodation.  

Evander Properties was jointly represented by CB Richard Ellis, DTZ and Moriarty & Co. Toby Vernon, Senior Director at CBRE, said: “This significant letting signals positive news for the Yorkshire industrial property market and the regional economy. This is the third plus-400,000 sq ft letting in the region this year, all of which have been to large retailers - Amazon at Vulcan in Doncaster and Asos.com at Crossflow, Barnsley.”

Debenhams will be joining existing tenant Sala International, which relocated from London to establish a 92,000 sq ft northern operation at the end of last year, and Eddie Stobart, Sainsburys and Kingspan.

Clr. Mark Crane, leader of Selby District Council, welcomed the news as yet another example of a major high street brand finding the right business solutions in Leeds. He commented: “It’s not only the 800 jobs but jobs allied to the 800 people who will be spending money in the local economy on things like lunch. I’m delighted to welcome Debenhams to Selby District.”