Multi-million-pound regeneration of Viables Business Park is complete

Viables Business Park was demolished in January last year to make way for a new 11.3-acre site, St. Modwen Park.

The redevelopment saw an £18.1 million investment to build 190,000 sq ft of manufacturing space for LevertonHELM - a joint venture between Leverton Lithium and HELM AG.

Leverton Lithium was founded in Basingstoke more than 45 years ago, and as LevertonHELM it will occupy the whole of St. Modwen Park, comprising three warehouses and two retail pods, which will be used as staff refectories.

READ MORE: Viables business park is demolished to make way for new site

St. Modwen Park provides LevertonHELM with the modern and larger space needed to scale up its production and manufacturing of battery grade Lithium chemicals in Europe. It will also provide additional capacity for the growing needs of its global customers, allowing for an expansion of 20kMT (kilo metric tons) of high-quality lithium chemicals.

The new buildings come with a range of sustainability features as standard including rainwater harvesting, EV charging points and PV solar panels.

The site was delivered by logistics developer and manager, St. Modwen Logistics.

Managing director Polly Troughton said: “At St. Modwen Logistics we are committed to providing our customers with the space and support they need to succeed. Working closely with the local authority, we are proud to be investing in the redevelopment of the site, which supports LevertonHELM’s continued growth and expansion, helping create local jobs and generating economic growth in and around Basingstoke.”

Viables Business Park when it was demolished last year

The deal demonstrates the company’s commitment to ensuring businesses have the space they need to grow and prosper in their local area, bringing much-needed investment and jobs.

David Hicks, CEO of Leverton Lithium, added: “The lithium industry is developing rapidly and we are delighted to be joined by HELM AG as our company continues to grow. This manufacturing space will help us respond to market demand and support our operations as we provide large-scale manufacturing of battery grade chemicals.”

Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Cllr Simon Bound, said: “I am delighted that Leverton Lithium and HELM AG have demonstrated their confidence in the borough with this significant investment worth tens of millions of pounds.

“As well as creating and protecting many high-tech skilled jobs, it is great to support a company that is focused on reducing the world’s use of carbon and helping to lead the way to a more sustainable future – something that we are committed to achieving locally.

“Basingstoke is a great place to invest, and we are delighted that we have been able to work with St. Modwen Logistics to create new high quality employment space in this strategic location which will be vital for the borough’s economic recovery.”

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Andrew Newman, joint letting agent for Hollis Hockley, said: “It’s great that we have been able to work with St. Modwen Logistics, LevertonHELM and the council to secure such a fantastic result. LevertonHELM has secured a prime campus on which to manufacture lithium and the redevelopment will not only generate revenue, but also bring more jobs directly and indirectly to the borough.”

Jim London, of London Clancy, said: "The letting of the entire scheme to one occupier confirms the strength of the market across London’s south-western corridor. To have let the whole of St Modwen Park to a single occupier is a tribute to the design and quality of the development."

He added: “From its conception, St Modwen Park Basingstoke was aimed at providing occupiers with a Grade A industrial and distribution facility whilst remaining flexible and adaptable to a variety of uses. This approach, building future-proofed logistics and manufacturing properties, has created a space where Leverton Helm can grow and thrive, bringing employment and prosperity to both the town and north Hampshire as a whole."

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