Watson Day Chartered Surveyors

Amenities

• 123,317 sq.ft. (11,457 m²)
• Freehold
• Opportunity to acquire a substantial multi-let industrial estate extending to 123,317 sq ft across 55 units, providing critical mass in an established and supply-constrained South East industrial location.
• Let to 35 tenants, generating a highly diversified income stream with the largest occupier accounting for only 8.2% of contracted income.
• The property produces a low average passing rent of just £5.73 per sq ft, offering significant reversionary potential, with recent lettings on the estate achieving rents of up to £10.98 per sq ft.
• Attractive WAULTC of 3.0 years, with approximately 85.4% of income subject to lease expiry or rent review within the next three years, providing multiple opportunities to capture rental growth and enhance income.
• Highly occupied, with just 9.7% vacancy, offering immediate asset management opportunities through the letting of vacant accommodation, lease regears, refurbishment initiatives and ESG-led improvements.
• Positioned to benefit from the South Canterbury Development, including the proposed new A2 junction and wider infrastructure improvements, which are expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen occupier demand.

Location

Barton Business Park, New Dover Road, Canterbury, CT1 3AA

Description

Diversified multi-let South East industrial investment with asset management upside, adjacent to Canterbury's largest residential development project. ESTATE OVERVIEW * Floor area - 123,317 sq. ft. * No of units - 55 (90.3% occupancy rate) * No. of tenants - 35 * Contracted rent - £706,250 per annum (£5.73 per sq. ft.) * Unit sizes - 453 - 18,948 sq. ft. (GIA) * WAULTC - 3 years * Site - 8.29 acres (3.35 hectares) * Tenure - Freehold INVESTMENT SUMMARY * Opportunity to acquire a substantial multi-let industrial estate extending to 123,317 sq ft across 55 units, providing critical mass in an established and supply-constrained South East industrial location. * Let to 35 tenants, generating a highly diversified income stream with the largest occupier accounting for only 8.2% of contracted income. * The property produces a low average passing rent of just £5.73 per sq ft, offering significant reversionary potential, with recent lettings on the estate achieving rents of up to £10.98 per sq ft. * Attractive WAULTC of 3.0 years, with approximately 85.4% of income subject to lease expiry or rent review within the next three years, providing multiple opportunities to capture rental growth and enhance income. * Highly occupied, with just 9.7% vacancy, offering immediate asset management opportunities through the letting of vacant accommodation, lease regears, refurbishment initiatives and ESG-led improvements. * Positioned to benefit from the South Canterbury Development, including the proposed new A2 junction and wider infrastructure improvements, which are expected to enhance connectivity and strengthen occupier demand. OCCUPATIONAL MARKET COMMENTARY The Canterbury industrial market has historically been characterised by constrained supply and relatively modest occupational demand. However, the city's connectivity has improved significantly following the introduction of High Speed 1 services, strengthening Canterbury's appeal as both a commuter destination and business location. Combined with continued economic activity generated by the Port of Dover and wider Channel trade routes, this has contributed to robust occupational demand across the local industrial market. Industrial accommodation within Canterbury remains tightly supplied, with very limited speculative development delivered in recent years. Consequently, established multi-let estates continue to benefit from strong occupancy levels and an increasingly constrained supply environment. Recent leasing evidence highlights the strength of rental values across the wider East Kent market. At Broad Oak Business Park, Canterbury, a new development of seven units totalling 15,482 sq ft is quoting rents of up to £17.15 per sq ft. SOUTH CANTERBURY MASTERPLAN * Barton Business Park is strategically positioned at the heart of the consented South Canterbury Development, one of the largest mixed-use growth projects in the South East and a major expansion area for Canterbury. * South Canterbury has consent for up to 4,000 new homes, alongside employment space, schools, healthcare facilities, retail provision and significant infrastructure investment, driving long-term economic and population growth. * Planning and enabling works are underway, with construction scheduled to commence in January 2027. * The development includes a new A2 junction and major highway improvements, enhancing access from New Dover Road and strengthening connectivity across one of Kent's key growth corridors. * The Masterplan also provides major public transport upgrades, including a new 4km rapid bus route and a 300-space expansion of the existing Park & Ride facility, further improving accessibility to Barton Business Park. * As the established employment location adjoining the development, Barton Business Park is well positioned to benefit from increased business activity, a larger labour pool and enhanced connectivity, supporting future occupational demand and rental growth. * Link to Planning Portal: CA//16/00600