North Yorkshire business park aims to continue attracting ‘big-name’ tenants in 2024

Canalside Business Park in Ripon is looking to build on a successful 2023 after the arrival of the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of fitted kitchens sparked a rush of new tenants.

Located opposite the city’s racecourse, and just off the Ripon bypass, the site opened for business eight months ago and is now more than 75 per cent full.

With an ‘impressive’ array of local and national businesses moving in, it is the appearance of Howdens Joinery, taking up a prime unit at the park, which has been highlighted as a key arrival and the sign of its success.

Owned by Canalside Developments, the park is now well established for both retail and industrial units, and is also home to the likes of Travis Perkins, Screwfix, Econ and Toolstation.

Howdens Joinery is the UK’s largest manufacturer and supplier of fitted kitchens, appliances and joinery products to trade professionals. Its depot in Ripon stocks a range of products including integrated kitchens, kitchen appliances, doors and joinery, hardware, and flooring.

Agent for the park, Adam Crawfurd-Porter of Feather, Smailes and Scales (FSS), commented: “We were delighted to secure Howdens for this key location within the Ripon Business Park.

“Not only did they take up one of the biggest sites on the park, but they are also situated in a key position within the site and their arrival has been key to others also deciding that this is the place to be.

“The park is now more than 75 per cent let, which means there are still opportunities for other businesses to join what is a truly modern, high-spec and well-equipped facility.”

Jonathan Lupton, Canalside Developments Director, added: “We opened the park last spring to provide much-needed industrial space for micro businesses and SMEs and have been delighted with the level and quality of businesses that we have attracted to date.

“The arrival of Howdens was a huge boost for us as it justified our belief that the biggest and best from the world of business would want to come and make a home at the Canalside Business Park. There has been such a positive impact since they arrived on site, and we continue to receive interest from those who wish to join them.”

A spokesman for Howden Joinery, which was supported by property consultants Montagu Evans during the move, said: “Howden Joinery have had a trading presence in Ripon since early 2002 but it became apparent some time ago our existing premises were no longer suitable for our needs.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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