TAKE-UP of industrial and distribution space across Yorkshire rose by 7% last year, according to a new report.
Figures from commercial property consultancy Lambert Smith Hampton showed that total take-up across the region reached 8.1m sq ft. in 2009.
The agency’s National Industrial and Distribution Report 2010 revealed that the “big shed” sector accounted for just under 2m sq ft of transactions during 2009 – with Wakefield Europort clocking up one of the largest deals of the year.
However, the increase in total take-up is still below the national average – and West Yorkshire’s supply of modern, small to medium-sized units remains restricted.
Rob Whatmuff, head of industrial and logistics agency for LSH in Yorkshire, said: “The potential shortage of good-quality accommodation across West Yorkshire, in all size sectors, but particularly the small to medium sectors, will lead to increased rental levels in the immediate future.”
But he added: “The amount of speculative development which has taken place in previous years has left South Yorkshire with a significant oversupply of larger distribution units, unlike West Yorkshire which has limited options in comparison.”
