Two substantial office lettings at a prominent East Yorkshire business park represent the most significant commercial property deals the region has witnessed since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. These transactions, covering over 40,000 square feet at Humber Enterprise Park in Brough, underscore a robust recovery and growing confidence in the local business landscape.
A New Chapter for the Former BAE Site
Humber Enterprise Park occupies the site of the former BAE Systems facility in Brough. While the defence giant maintains a presence, the park's owner, Westcore Europe, has driven substantial investment following a sale and partial leaseback arrangement that concluded BAE's exclusive use of the estate. This shift has paved the way for a comprehensive transformation and new tenancy opportunities.
Key Deals and Expansions
A major highlight is the arrival of CPM Crown, a specialist in process solutions and engineered equipment. The US-based firm has committed to a 15-year lease for 11,500 sq ft of office space, establishing its European operational headquarters at the park. In a parallel development, an existing occupier has significantly expanded its commitment, taking an additional 18,000 sq ft under a new 10-year lease.
The park's appeal to established businesses is further demonstrated by notable expansions from current tenants. FTSE-listed food producer Cranswick has doubled its office footprint from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet. Meanwhile, Pure Renewables, which only relocated to the estate two years ago, has already trebled its presence. Lease renewals have also been secured for two other tenants, Morson Projects and Globalview Systems, resulting in the park's refurbished office suites now operating at full capacity.
Driving Employment and Future Growth
Paul Brustad, director of Citivale, the asset manager for Westcore, expressed considerable satisfaction with this period of activity. "This has been a strong period for Humber Enterprise Park," he stated. "To complete deals on such a scale, and to welcome a new tenant of the calibre of CPM Crown is certainly pleasing. The long-term renewals and suite expansions from our existing tenants also speak volumes for how they value the estate. We look forward to turning our attention to the remaining opportunities and really driving further employment in Brough."
Attention is now turning to the letting of available industrial and warehouse space on the estate, which is itself undergoing a multimillion-pound refurbishment. Units of 165,000 sq ft and 65,000 sq ft are currently on the market. CPM Crown has already indicated interest in further expansion as it consolidates its operations at Brough, relocating its growing team from a site in Hessle, eight miles away.
A Modern Workspace for Evolving Businesses
Chris Fisher, Director of Operations for EMEA at CPM Crown, explained the strategic move. "Crown Europe has been based at our previous site since the Nineties, but our business has changed dramatically in recent years. We've evolved from operating as individual geographic business units to becoming a centralised, global functional organisation. With that shift has come growth—our team has nearly doubled—and we needed a space that enables the way we work today."
The park itself has been radically overhauled. Previously spread across three aging buildings, it now features modern, open-plan office areas equipped with meeting rooms. "This new building also gives us the flexibility to grow in the future," added Mr. Fisher, "including the potential to add a pilot plant where customers can see our innovations in action."
A Site Steeped in Aviation History
The Brough site carries a rich industrial heritage. Originally developed by aviation pioneer Robert Blackburn during the First World War, it later provided flight testing from its own runway and water launch facilities, with assembly and conversion work supporting wartime efforts before becoming part of BAE Systems. This legacy is honoured within the park; the office suites are named after aircraft developed there, including Bluebird, Firebrand, and the iconic Hawk jet—the latter entering its 46th season as the aircraft flown by the Red Arrows display team.
PPH Commercial and LSH are acting for Citivale regarding the available industrial and warehouse space, while GV&Co manages the ongoing refurbishment works for the asset manager.
