Haslams Chartered Surveyors has published its latest report on the Reading industrial market, highlighting one of the few growth areas of 2020.
Take up increased 19 per cent to 411,750 sq ft, giving 2020 the highest increase in the past four years.
Online shopping was the key driver for the increase but the report also notes the run up to Brexit which prompted firms to build up inventories and manufacturers to opt for UK operations.
Government support for hi-tech, R&D and science industries had helped demand in that sector which Haslams expects to continue with increased emphasis on green technologies.
There remains a shortage of larger units but Haslams partner Neil Seager says 2020 was nonetheless a positive year for the industrial market.
He added: “It is surprising given what was happening. The pandemic has provided a structural change which has given a boost to the industrial/warehouse market.”
The speed of that change, he said, had also been surprising but he expects more of the same in 2021. The report suggests that activity will be going on outside of lockdowns, following the pattern of 2020.
The report is available from Halsams. Contact Mr Seager on 0118 921 1515.
Image shows Theale Logistics Park which was let to Amazon last year.
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