Positive thinking - John Taylor of Parker Barras believes there could be a post- Covid property boom .
Parker Barras forecasts post-pandemic property blast-off
FROM DOOM TO BOOM
G
DAVE ROBSON talks to the leading Tees commercial property agents who can see only bright times ahead as restrictions end
et ready for boom time ! That ’ s the confident prediction of a Teesside commercial property agents which has emerged in good shape from a difficult 12 months for many .
Since 2007 , Parker Barras has established itself as a flexible , responsive and reliable presence in the commercial property sales , lettings and development field .
And director John Taylor , who founded the business , says it ’ s ready to respond to whatever the post-lockdown economy brings .
He said : “ At the start of the pandemic there was massive uncertainty but demand remained relatively strong . And as we got further into last year , demand increased .
“ So there ’ s already a high demand for industrial units and land . But now , with things like the freeport and the Teesworks redevelopment on the steelworks site , I think it ’ s going to be boom time for Teesside over the next five years and we ’ re well placed to be a part of it .”
Dad-of-three John believes that once the country “ opens up ” post-lockdown , there ’ ll be a lot of movement in the property market .
He said : “ Sadly , some businesses won ’ t make it through , so vacant properties will come up , either to be purchased or let – I just think there will be a mass of activity .
“ But the announcement of the freeport , the Treasury jobs coming to Darlington and the additional investments local councils are making , with strong initiatives to rejuvenate town centres , creates positivity , which will lead to more private investment .
“ We ’ ve already had several enquiries on the back of the freeport as people wanting industrial space look to relocate here . For example , we ’ ve been dealing with a major garden furniture firm which is looking to
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