BUSINESS
Mandale Group estates director Joe Darragh has revealed a major new
development to rejuvenate a well-known industrial estate in Stockton.
We’ll get
industrial
estate
buzzing
again
BY MARTIN WALKER
A
once bustling hub of manufacturing in one of
Teesside’s best-known retail areas is set to be
rejuvenated thanks to a £1million investment.
Mandale Group has revealed plans to give part of
Arkgrove Industrial Estate a serious makeover to bring
factory units into the 21st Century.
The building which has been identified for refurbishment,
on Ross Road just off Portrack Lane in Stockton, currently
accommodates 24 small units within 25,000 sq ft.
But nearly 40 years since the buildings were last
renovated, its owners now plan to give it a completely new
direction.
Mandale Group have already started work to knock down
its entire brickwork, leaving only its steel skeleton. The
rubble will then be recycled to level off surrounding areas
and roads, while brand new concrete flooring will be laid
throughout the development. New brick skim, new roofing,
electrics, toilets and parking facilities will complete the
makeover.
Once ready in the Summer, six brand new units – ranging
between 2,385 sq ft and 6,950 sq ft – will be available to let.
Mandale Group’s head of estates, Joe Darragh, says the
landlords have had to move with the times to accommodate
different industries.
“Thirty years ago you’d come down here and there was a
small one-man-band outfit making garden gates,” he said.
“There was a sole trader with a lathe making parts. There
was loads of little, hard-working manufacturing businesses.
“But that’s all gone now. Manufacturers can buy cheaper
online, whether that’s elsewhere in the UK or abroad, so
now the guy who used to make the gates buys them in,
stores them and sells them.
“We’ve had to move with the times and the type of units
replacing the old ones would ideally be suited to small or
medium-sized distribution firms.”
The Arkgrove site was formerly owned by engineers
Hugill Forge, which closed down in the late 1970s. Mandale
bought it and converted it into a 24-unit industrial estate in
the 1980s.
“It will be a modern, clean and friendly-looking estate
which will improve that area of Portrack Lane significantly,”
added Joe.
Arkgrove Industrial Estate on Ross Road near Portrack
Lane in Stockton is set for a £1m makeover. The artist’s
impression (below) shows how Arkgrove’s current
building (above) will be transformed.
Businesses interested in any of the units can call
Joe on 07973 908559 for more information.
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