A major town centre site with development potential in Horsham, West Sussex, has been sold.
The town’s former fire station on a one-acre site in Hurst Road had been put up for sale by West Sussex County Council after it was replaced by new facilities.
New owner, London-based developer Zephyr X is submitting plans to redevelop the site into a care home.
Commercial property agents Vail Williams successfully concluded a deal for an undisclosed sum on behalf of the council after being tasked with the disposal of the vacant site.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service moved to a new multi-million-pound, state-of-the-art training centre and fire station Platinum House last year, strategically sited off the A24.
Vail Williams Partner Steve Berrett said: “We had a great deal of interest in this prominent town centre premises with huge potential, close to the train station, hospital and Swan Walk shopping centre.
“Our strong tender process in a six-week marketing campaign led to competitive bids for this rare commercial opportunity which resulted in a second round of bidding before the sale was concluded to Zephyr X.
“Zephyr X are very active and specialise in the health care sector. Now the site has the chance to be developed into a much-needed care facility. Our client is also delighted with the outcome, especially delivering within a tight timeframe.”
The property is located within Horsham town centre only a few hundred yards from Horsham Park and train station, which provides regular services to London Victoria.
The property comprises of a purpose-built fire station among other buildings totalling 17,175 sq ft (1,595 sq m) on a relatively rectangular plot extending to approximately one acre, with a roadside frontage of 60m on to Hurst Road.
Nick Kempster, Zephyr X’s Capital Markets specialist, said: “We are excited to have acquired a well-located and accessible site perfect for our ongoing development needs which will enable us to deliver care facilities to meet a growing need.
“We are committed to a better, ethical and sustainable approach to building and development. By actively searching for sites that are ripe for revival, we create new spaces that champion the community, while complementing and protecting the environment.”
Simon Moore, Principal Estates Surveyor at West Sussex County Council, said: “The Hurst Road fire station served the town and surrounding areas well for more than 50 years.
“However, the move to our purpose-built, industry-leading, first class and green energy-powered new facility at Platinum House meant that Hurst Road was deemed surplus to the council’s requirements.
“I am indebted to Vail Williams for getting this sale across the line to provide vital funds for the council to invest in other projects to benefit the people of Horsham and West Sussex.”
William Botsford of JLL acted for the purchaser.
Vail Williams’ full-service property advice includes commercial agency, investment and development advice, building consultancy, property valuation, planning, lease advisory, property asset management, business rates and occupier consultancy.
