05.03.04
New office units are open down on the farm

Three redundant granite barns near Penzance - converted into high quality commercial office space with the help of Business Link Devon and Cornwall – are already fully tenanted.

The traditional buildings in a prime location at Hendra Farm, only a mile north west of the town, are owned by the Bolitho Estates. The project, which took 18 months to complete, produced a total of 2,550 sq ft of highly desirable office space.

The Estates succeeded in gaining investment from the Rural Development Capital Grant Initiative which is managed by Business Link Devon and Cornwall and invested in by Objective One from the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The first barn, a two-storey former milking parlour and store, was converted into 1,900 sq ft of space and is currently being rented by a company involved in legal administration.

The 350 sq ft second barn, which housed former pigsties, has a tenant from the charity sector, while the 300 sq ft third barn is being used by a firm of solicitors.

The work included partial re-roofing, external re-pointing and repair, replacement of all windows and the creation of a disabled access as well as replacement of floors, internal walls and ceilings and the provision of central heating, computer trunking and kitchen and toilet facilities.

"Like many other farmers the Estates have had to diversify in order to provide a solid income able not only to withstand economic downturns but also to support the estate tenant farmers by reducing pressure on their rents,”explained chief executive Edward Bolitho.

"Both Penwith District Council and the South West Regional Development Agency agree that there is a shortage of suitable workspace in Penzance and an absence of high quality rural office lets which hinders local businesses who wish to grow from remaining in the area.”

Said Business Link contract manager Marilyn Pryor: "This exciting project is an excellent example of diversification of redundant farm buildings which is also satisfying a local need. It offers an out-of-town location yet is close to local amenities with good access and security.”

For information on other agricultural programmes run by Business Link Devon and Cornwall contact 0845 600 9966.

For further press information please contact:

Ian Gent on 0845 600 9966 or 07771 631518
or Janice Brazell on 0845 600 9966

For the Bolitho Estates contact:
Edward Bolitho on 01736 363021

Editor's notes:

The Business Link service for Devon and Cornwall is a government-funded service designed to provide the best possible help to people starting, running or growing a business. At its core is an information and enquiry centre, supported by a network of local and national specialists and support organisations. Business Link receives European funding to help it deliver its services in Devon and Cornwall. For more information contact 0845 600 9966.

European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF)

EAGGF is one of the four funds that make up the Objective One Programme for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly which is making £314m available to support the local economy between 2000 and 2006.

EAGGF aims to:

Jason Clark
Communications Adviser
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Tel: 01872 241379
Fax: 01872 241388
objectiveone@cornwall.gov.uk

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