A global property firm is set to relocate its Stoke-on-Trent team as it becomes the first commercial tenant at the landmark Goods Yard development next to the city’s railway station.
Avison Young will take on the whole Pavilion building – a 5,000 sq ft space above the development’s vaulted warehouse, opening onto the newly created public square – with the office set to open ‘in the spring’.
Daily Focus has asked Avison Young how many members of staff will be working out of the Goods Yard, and whether any new roles will be created.
Talks are said to be ‘ongoing’ with other businesses who are interested in moving onto the site.
Avison Young has previously worked with developer Capital&Centric on a national initiative, the Regeneration Brainery, aimed at helping young people consider careers in property – and is also acting as the agent marketing commercial space at the Goods Yard.
Tom Wilmot, joint managing director at Capital&Centric, said: “There’s a massive buzz about Stoke-on-Trent, with Goods Yard right at the heart of this renaissance. It’s a real vote of confidence from Avison Young in not just the Goods Yard neighbourhood but also the city.
“What better way to support regeneration than putting your money where your mouth is and calling the place home. Our vision for Goods Yard has always been to create a collaborative mixing pot for like-minded businesses and we’ll be announcing more soon.”
Nick Walkley, UK president of Avison Young, said: “Our presence in Stoke has been long-standing, and moving to this outstanding space underlines our commitment to the city and the UK regions.
“This new office is going to be a vastly improved environment for our Avison Young colleagues in Stoke. We look forward to working closely with Stoke[-on-Trent] City Council and with Capital&Centric.”
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: “We are delighted to have worked with Capital&Centric to bring the Goods Yard to Stoke-on-Trent and make it a success. This long-awaited development will bring with it economic benefits and new opportunities for businesses, local residents and visitors.
“We are delighted that Avison Young have chosen to base themselves in Stoke-on-Trent and wish them the best of luck in their new home. It’s a remarkable vote of confidence in our city and our future.
“I know talks are ongoing with a number of other businesses who have also shown an interest in Goods Yard and we look forward to welcoming them too.”
The wider Goods Yard development includes 174 homes, flexible commercial space and new public realm features including green space, interior gardens, and pedestrian walkways. The first residents are set to move in the rental apartments in June.
Available workspace includes the Vaults Warehouse, the Victorian Signal Box and ground floor commercial space beneath the residential blocks, with units ranging from 1,200 to 14,000 sq ft.
