How Langstone Park is fulfilling its potential
The 40-acre site, once home to IBM who manufactured computers there in the early 70s, now has a secured long-term vision.
The park is a key employment site within the local community and had over the years failed to fulfil its potential in supporting local and global businesses with a modern and sustainable business park. It was acquired in 2020 by global investment manager, Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo), on behalf of some of its clients, and leading UK asset manager and developer XLB, and has since undergone a major transformation.
The park is currently home to a number of existing buildings and occupiers, who have recently enjoyed a programme of investment to rejuvenate the common areas, provide high-quality workspace alongside a range of amenities. There is an on-site café, nursery, gym, business lounge, meeting rooms, showers and cycle facilities.
The occupiers who call the park home represent a variety of sectors, emphasising its place as a leading R&D and technology draw on the South Coast. These include leading global organisations in biotechnology and life sciences, defence and maritime systems, agricultural pharmaceuticals, data centre storage and operations, and electronic technologies.
It is evident that the park is providing space for a clustering of high-quality businesses in key innovation sectors within the UK.
The long-term vision for the park will see a phased redevelopment of the park, where existing buildings have become obsolete from both a design and environmental perspective. The consent secured provides for 680,000 sq. ft of modern, sustainable buildings under uses classes E, B2 & B8.
Phase 1
Phase 1 of that vision has already been delivered and is majority let to exciting occupiers. This phase of development recently won the much coveted ‘Commercial Development of the Year’ award at the 2024 South Coast Property Awards.
It has been developed to an exceptionally high standard, setting a new benchmark for the South Coast, both in terms of sustainability and specification. The units achieved BREEAM Excellent and have been rated EPC A+. The solar panels on the roof generate enough energy to offset the consumption of the units, meaning they can operate at net zero carbon.
Future Phases
The next phase of development comprises three units ranging from 26,000 – 34,000 sq.ft. with everything from solar panels to green roofs.
Stephen Wormald, partner at XLB comments: “We are aware of the depth of demand for quality R&D, manufacturing and logistics accommodation within the region and have responded with a contemporary new scheme offering best-in-class, sustainable fit-for-purpose buildings alongside best-in-class amenities. We look forward to delivering the next phase of development on this award-winning business park alongside our partner, AIMCo.”
For more information: XLB Property
