KOHLER MIRA UNVEILS WORCESTER SIX PLANS
A leader in the manufacture of kitchen and bathroom products has today announced plans to create a state-of-the-art distribution, training and office unit in Worcestershire.
Kohler Mira, parent company of leading UK shower brand Mira Showers, is initially investing over £20 million in the first phase of its 11.3-acre development. Phase 1 of the scheme will deliver a unit of 158,000 sq ft with a further phase delivering up to an additional 100,000 sq ft.
The scheme will be delivered by Stoford Developments at the successful Worcester Six Business Park, situated just off Jct 6 of the M5 near Worcester. Kohler Mira, owned by Kohler Co., represents the third significant inward investment into the business park from a US investor.
This is particularly exciting given Kohler’s on-going global commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.
The sustainable building will include high-tech features including a significant PV solar array on the roof of the building providing a sustainable energy source. Once installed the PVs could generate up to 1MW. This underlines the company’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2035.
The company, which manufactures Mira showers, taps and bathroom accessories, already has operations in Gloucester, Cheltenham and Hull, has selected Worcester Six for the latest phase of its UK growth.
The reserved matters planning application was submitted to Wychavon District Council after consultation with local stakeholders. Birmingham-based Stoford Developments has been appointed to deliver the first phase.
Construction could start on site before the end of the year, subject to planning consent and would seek to deliver Phase 1 by April 2019.
Liz Hazeldene, managing director of Kohler Mira, said: “This is an exciting opportunity that clearly reflects our continued investment in the UK.
“This purpose-built facility is a result of both an increase in customer demand and the need to meet future business requirements.”
Stoford director Gerard Ludlow said: “Worcester Six is beginning to gain real momentum now and this major inward investment in the region by Kohler Mira demonstrates that it is being recognised as a key business location in the Midlands.
“We have already recently announced the impending arrival of Siemens, Kimal and Spire Healthcare, and we’re excited at Kohler Mira’s commitment to invest heavily in this high quality development. We are also expecting to announce the delivery of another tenant by the end of the summer.”
Charles D’Auncey, Director at Harris Lamb, who secured the business further to previous occupiers Kimal and Spire Healthcare, said: “We’re particularly pleased to have attracted the brand to the park as initially, the business was seeking a suitable Gloucestershire premises to site its operation.
“Having seen the superb, central location and high specification offered at Worcester Six, however, Kohler Mira agreed that Worcestershire was the right site for its distribution and training centre.
“The high calibre of occupiers committing to space at the park thus far means that Worcester Six is already being established as a prime business hub for the UK.”