Southampton: LSH fishes out new home for aquarium distributor

Aquarium and pet supplies distributor Aqua Pacific is relocating its Southampton-based operation with a move to newly refurbished premises in Nursling.

The company, which distributes fish tanks, aquarium and pet supplies in the Aqua One, Pond One, Reptile One and Avi One ranges, is to move from its current home at Oriana Way, on the Nursling Industrial Estate, to a 20,000 sq ft Unit at 1 Mauretania Road, Nursling.

Lambert Smith Hampton (LSH), joint agents with Hellier Langston, acted on behalf of the landlord, CBRE Global Investors, in securing the deal at a rent of £8.25 per sq ft. The unit will be refurbished by the landlord ahead of Aqua Pacific taking occupation in the summer.

Adrian Whitfield, director, industrial and logistics at LSH, said: “This is a strategic move for Aqua Pacific to premises which are ideally suited for the future needs of the business. As part of the arrangement, the unit is refurbished to the new tenant’s specifications, putting the business in a superb position to enjoy continued success.”

Mark Winter, managing director, Aqua Pacific, said: “Aqua Pacific UK are restructuring the business in light of changes to the market in general, as well as the retail scene in the UK. What was important to us was the location. We have a long-serving workforce that we can’t afford to lose. The proximity to the docks in Southampton is also key to a company that imports 95% of its products. A move of some 300 metres is ideal for the business.

“I would like to thank all parties involved and the contractors, who worked together to ensure that we will have completed the move within three weeks, ensuring minimum downtime and impact on the business.”

Aqua Pacific’s move has released 10 Oriana Way which is now under offer to a new logistics occupier. LSH and Hellier Langston are joint agents for the site, along with nearby units at 42 Oriana and 4 Mauretania Road, which are both now also under offer.

42 Oriana Way is a 62,003 sq ft detached warehouse unit with secure yard on a self-contained 2.79-acre site. The unit at 4 Mauretania Road is 16,447 sq ft with a 1,631 mezzanine level, while 10 Oriana Way offers a 61,044 detached warehouse with large secure concrete loading.

All three units are suitable for use as storage and distribution centres, are refurbished to a high standard and benefit from locations close to Junction 1 of the M271, linked to Junction 3 of the M27.

Matthew Poplett of Hellier Langston added: “It is rare for quality refurbished units in such a prime location to come on to the market. We are experiencing good levels of interest from potential occupiers as confidence in the region continues to attract major players in the distribution and logistics sector.”