First occupiers move into Tournament Court

9th March 2007

George Wimpey Central, formally Laing Homes Midlands, has relocated from Leamington Spa to become the first tenant at Warwick's newest business park.

The house builder has moved from its former Victorian headquarters to take more than 10,000 sq.ft. at Tournament Court, the first phase of development at the Tournament Fields Business Park.

The scheme, developed by Sackville Developments, comprises 17 self-contained business units arranged around a central courtyard, offering more than 62,000 sq.ft. of flexible Grade A office space.

Tournament Court is the first phase of development on the 52 acre landscaped Tournament Fields site, which is located adjacent to Junction 15 of the M40 Motorway and is set to become the most prestigious business park in the region.

Paul Degg, managing director of George Wimpey Central, said the development offered a completely new working environment for his company.

He said: "Having been based in Leamington Spa previously we were very keen to stay in the area and the chance to relocate to Tournament Court was too good an opportunity to miss.

"Our previous Victorian accommodation served us well, but we were spread over five floors and lacking in the space needed for our expanding company. The office at Tournament Court offers Grade A specification over two floors with all the benefits that come from a new development.

"As well as significantly improving our working environment, Tournament Fields' location on the edge of Warwick and near major road, rail and air links is extremely convenient for both staff and clients."

Warwick's central Midland location and its proximity to major transport links, as well as the racecourse and a number of quality hotels, has enhanced its reputation as a business destination. It is already home to several blue chip companies, including National Grid, Conoco Phillips, Volvo and the new European headquarters of Wolseley Plc.

Adjacent to Tournament Fields, a major new residential development of more than 1,200 homes is under construction which will include a new district centre and convenience store and other amenities.

Mike Bracken, a Director of Sackville Developments, said "We have been extremely happy with the rate of take up at Tournament Court and with several more deals being negotiated at the moment we could well have let a major portion of the scheme in the next two to three months.

"As far as Tournament Fields is concerned, we are in advanced talks in a deal which could bring a unique 50,000 sq.ft. facility to the business park and there could also be further speculative development on the back of the success of Tournament Court."