Portsmouth: Run-down building transformed into modern warehouse
A run-down Portsmouth building that lay empty for more than a decade has been transformed into a modern new warehouse and retail unit for rapidly-growing retailer The Carpet and Bed Gallery.
The building at 53-55 Burrfields Road, close to Ocean Retail Park in the heart of Portsea Island, has been fully repaired and restored, and has been allowed a change of use by Portsmouth City Council. The unit will become the first Portsmouth store for the company, which has an existing long-established outlet in Bitterne, Southampton.
Before the refurbishment, the run-down two-storey building had been boarded up and had not been in active use for 13 years.
Upon expiry of the lease, acting upon advice from commercial property specialists at the South Coast offices of Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), the landlords took the earliest opportunity to refurbish the building and seek permission from Portsmouth City Council to reclassify it as mixed retail and warehouse use.
LSH was then engaged to actively promote the property, resulting in the letting to The Carpet and Bed Gallery.
Guy Jackson, associate director – industrial at LSH, said: “We’re pleased that we were able to advise on this change of use, and grateful for the vision of Portsmouth City Council’s planners, who agreed that allowing the change of use would help bring this building back into operation and attract a high-calibre occupier with the economic and employment benefits that brings to the area.
“The Carpet and Bed Gallery is an ideal fit for these modernised units in an established business area, and we are pleased to welcome the company to Portsmouth where we are sure it will continue to go from strength to strength.”
The store’s new location fronts on to the road and are close to Ocean Retail Park, where occupiers include Currys and PC World, Homebase and Comet. Costa and Starbucks have also recently opened nearby.
Judith Carey, director, The Carpet and Bed Gallery, said: “Following the huge success of our store in Bitterne, we were looking to expand into Portsmouth if we could find the right location to meet our needs. This site is perfect – easily accessible for customers and with warehouse facilities and parking on site. We are very much looking forward to settling in to our new home and becoming part of the thriving business community in this part of Portsmouth.”
