Darlington Asset Management Ltd have joined forces with Simon Gill to form Spar Investments whose primary focus is to target and purchase mixed use town centre regeneration opportunities within the South-East.

 

Spar recently completed the purchase of their first project - a mixed use 200,000 sq ft industrial complex on circa 4 acres in Gosport town centre - The Sanderson Business Centre in Lees Lane was one of the first business centres of its kind to set up in Gosport, having been repurposed from various previous industrial uses. It opened its doors to multi-occupancy nearly 40 years ago. It has since grown into a thriving business community, providing a wide range of unit sizes for over 90 commercial tenants. The accommodation comprises offices, stores and workshops along with supporting business services. Some of the original tenants from way back in 1983 are still in occupation.

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Current tenants include accountants, clothes manufacturers, internet shops, precision engineers, stainless steel fabricators, sports gyms, sports suppliers, taxis and private hire companies, and numerous offices for local businesses - all predominantly on licence agreements.

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The property has an interesting history. The Atlanta Works, Lees Lane, Gosport became home to The Osborn Engineering Company (OEC) when the company was founded in 1919. However, prior to this, the site had been a wood yard on which had been built the old United Aircraft Factory. During the 1920s, OEC were engaged in a wide range of engineering activities at the Gosport site including building motorcycles for Burney & Blackburne. Initially they used Blackburne engines, but later used other engine manufacturers such as JAP. OEC went into receivership in 1931, and the property was then auctioned off to become Ashley’s Wallpaper Factory - then The Sanderson wallpaper factory - finally the Sanderson Business Centre, as it is today.

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The project provides numerous asset management and reconfiguration opportunities. Spar Investments look forward to working with the existing management team and current tenant body to realise the true potential from what is an inspiring multi-faceted multi-storey factory with bundles of history within its many walls.