Mayfair Capital fish for salmon in Watford
A new 28,000 sq ft office development in Watford is being purchased by The Property Income Trust for Charities (PITCH).
The specialist fund – which is managed by Mayfair Capital Investment Management and enables UK charities to invest in commercial property in a tax-efficient manner – has exchanged contracts to acquire the pre-let Clarendon Works project at 36 Clarendon Road for £14.5m on a forward commitment basis reflecting a net initial yield to PITCH of 5.84% (5.56% on full market costs).
Due for completion next year, the scheme has been developed by Boultbee Brooks Real Estate (BBRE) and is the first new-build office project in Watford for more than 15 years. Availability of Grade A office space in the town has been steadily declining and now stands at close to zero.
PITCH Fund Manager, Simon Martindale, comments: “The purchase reflects Mayfair Capital’s thematic investment strategy of acquiring high quality office buildings in urban areas which are supported by good local amenities and transport links.
“Watford is strategically located inside the M25 and has excellent rail links into Central London with a journey time of just under 15 minutes to Euston. The Intu Watford shopping centre is currently undergoing a £110m redevelopment programme which will provide further restaurant, retail and leisure amenities.
“Watford office rents remain at a considerable discount to Central London as well as comparable office locations such as Uxbridge and Staines where prime rents are now up to £36 per sq ft. Accordingly, we see Watford becoming an increasingly attractive office location for occupiers and expect to see good rental growth off the current level of income.”
The building has been pre-let to WPP subsidiary, Salmon – a global digital commerce consultancy whose clients include Argos, Audi UK, Sainsbury’s, Selfridges and Ted Baker. It has taken a 15-year lease with a tenant break option in Year 10 at a rent which equates to £31.50 per sq ft.
Hanover Green acted for PITCH in the acquisition.
