WORK STARTS ON £500K COURTYARD DEVELOPMENT AT UNDERLEY ESTATE
DEVELOPMENT work has begun on a £500,000 project to transform former workshop buildings at Underley Estate into luxurious and flexible offices.
The buildings, which are situated around the current estate office, are known as Underley Works. The Home Farm buildings used to be the base for all the estate workers in the past and there were workshops for each trade there.
The 4300sq ft of space being developed – which was last used as part of a blacksmiths workshop – will produce four to five flexible courtyard office units ranging from 400 ft sq to just over 2000 ft sq. All units will enjoy car parking and landscaping of the courtyard and surrounding area.
The existing features of the buildings will be retained with period windows planned and any important stonework and woodwork retained so it is visible. The focus of the development will be to create high-end office space with integrated data cabling and air conditioning throughout.
Phil Pease, estate owner, said: “We felt the time was right to press on with the development of the Home Farm buildings as rural office development is becoming ever more popular and we feel the workspace that would be generated here will be a huge asset to both the Estate and the local community.
“We intend to create a significant quantity of versatile office space with car parking, situated in a peaceful rural setting offering the very best environment to work in.”
Underely Estate has taken early enquiries for the offices, which it is believed will appeal to local business from Kirkby Lonsdale, Kendal and Lancaster. The smaller premises will attract start-up businesses and possibly regional and national firms wanting to open an office in the area.
It is anticipated the development will be finished by Spring 2011.
This investment follows last year’s extensive £250,000 renovation project to the Pease family’s former home – Underley Grange. They created an impressive 9-bedroomed holiday home and conference venue to add to the Estate’s existing holiday cottage business and have been swamped with enquiries and bookings.
“We are delighted with how well the house has been received and the mid-week conference facilities there are perfect for any new businesses moving into the new development or indeed the area,” he said.