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Accommodation problems Far from worrying about vacant units, Birmingham's industrial agents are rushing to meet rising demand. Claire Greenshields reports on a growing market
Brummies are a resilient bunch. From the demise of MG Rover to the loss of manufacturing icon, HP Sauce, Birmingham's industrial heritage appears to be crumbling.
But the city has worked hard at finding new ways to make money. Now, rather than fret over abandoned sheds, Birmingham's agents are struggling to accommodate demand.
Simon Lloyd, national head of industrial agency at DTZ, says: "We appear to be filling space very quickly. Birmingham's market is diverse, and as occupiers leave, others are more than willing to take their place."
Much of the demand is being driven by logistics and distribution firms, taking advantage of Birmingham's position at the heart of the UK motorway network.
Shortage of supply and yield compression has seen land values exceeding £500,000 per acre. Recent shed deals in the 100,000 sq ft-plus market have given particular incentive for further development.
ProLogis has let a 165,000 sq ft unit to logistics operator, iForce, at The Fort in Erdington,...