12.07.05
Unique setting for major new Business Centre
A £12m scheme to convert a group of historic military buildings at Kings Hill, Kent into a major new Business Centre is now underway.An extensive range of 1940s listed RAF buildings at the former West Malling Air Station is being fully updated and the Churchill Square Business Centre is now taking shape. When completed the Centre will be one of the largest Business Centre developments in the South East.
Capital Enterprise Centres is set to provide some 70,000 sq ft of contemporary high quality office space that will be home for around 135 businesses. The first phase of the development has already been completed, with three buildings upgraded to latest business specifications.
In all, seven buildings are being converted, six of which are H blocks. All are attractively grouped around a central area, which now provides landscaped parking for more than 500 cars.
Most recently the builders have completed 40 Churchill Square to provide 12,800 sq ft of offices in suites of varying sizes. The first tenants are already taking occupation.
CEC Operations Director David Clapham says that great care is being taken to renovate the listed buildings in a sympathetic way.
He said: “This is a unique setting for a Business Centre and we will be retaining all the external architectural features together with many of the internal features. We are also undertaking extensive landscaping and planting to ensure that the Centre will also enjoy a high quality setting.
“It has been a challenge to fit new technology within these buildings but our team have solved all the problems and we are pleased that we have been able to accommodate state-of-the-art data communications systems without compromising sensitive renovation.”
The RAF buildings were built as West Malling Air Station was expanded to become one of the key bases for fighters in World War 2. Many legendary RAF personnel spent time at West Malling including night fighter ace “Cats Eyes” Cunningham and Dam Busters bomber leader Guy Gibson.
David Clapham said that while enjoying a heritage setting the Business Centre concept was entirely forward looking.
He added: “Kings Hill already has an outstanding reputation as a high quality Business Park and many blue chip companies are located here. Our aim is to give small and medium sized companies the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of location at Kings Hill, without hassle and at a sensible cost.”
The development at Kings Hill forms part of CEC’s successful creation of a network of Business Centres across the South East. Currently CEC offers its centres in Chelmsford, Croydon, Colchester, Harlow, Sittingbourne and Southend.
Churchill Square Business Centre provides managed office suites, well-equipped meeting rooms, mini-conference facilities together with free car parking. Currently offices are available from 76 sq ft (7.1 sq m) to 1,475 sq ft (137 sq m) and further units will become available as the major development programme proceeds. More than 50 businesses are already represented.
Flexible easy in – easy out terms mean that businesses can expand without the commitment to long-term agreements. A monthly licence fee for the offices includes services normally charged as additional to rental: on-site management, maintenance and repair, building insurance, refuse collection, security, water rates and the cleaning of common areas.
For start-up businesses currently working from home the Centre also provides a virtual office package offering a prestige businesses address, telephone answering and access to all Centre services.
A special feature of the Centre is on-site management dedicated to supporting tenants and enabling them to enjoy trouble-free occupancy. Tenants can enjoy administrative support, a selection of meeting rooms, telecommunications and postal services. Refreshments and/or buffet lunches are available if required.
In addition local services available close by at Kings Hill include restaurants, retail outlets, a medical centre and a children’s nursery.
For further details contact Centre Manager Sue Billings on 01732 523415 or log on to the Capital Enterprise Centres website – www.capitalspace.co.uk.
For further press information please contact Philip Bosley, PHB Public Relations 01580 852500.