Savills, on behalf of the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Birmingham City Council, has exchanged contracts on the freehold sale of a development land site at the Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Aston, Birmingham, to HydraForce Hydraulics Ltd for an undisclosed figure.

The site comprises 6.7 acres (2.7 hectares) and benefits from a Local Development Order granting planning consent for manufacturing, light industrial and R&D use.  The international hydraulics manufacturing company plans to develop a 120,000 sq ft (11,148 sq m) factory, which will be ready for occupation in August 2015 and employ approximately 500 staff on site. 

In addition, Savills is marketing two further sites at the Advanced Manufacturing Hub, also on behalf of the HCA and Birmingham City Council, which can accommodate units of approximately 50,000 sq ft (4,645 sq m) and 140,000 sq ft (13,006 sq m).  They will also benefit from the Local Development Order and major highway improvements works set to improve access to the Lichfield Road and Junction 6 of the M6.  Furthermore, new occupiers can choose their own development partners and may be able to take advantage of assistance with funding grants, space planning and building design, subject to criteria.

Charles Spicer, associate director of industrial at Savills, comments: "This is an exciting step forward for the Advanced Manufacturing Hub as HydraForce Hydraulics Ltd is the first occupier to commit to the site.  With Birmingham's industrial market thriving, we are confident we will be able to announce further commitments to the site in due course."

HydraForce Hydraulics Ltd was represented by Jones Lang LaSalle.

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