FISHRON Securities, a joint venture company between two well-known local commercial property investors and developers, Lamron Estates from Basingstoke and Mortimer based TA Fisher, is looking to bring new opportunities for local businesses by investing several million pounds in part of the rejuvenation of the ‘Top of Town’ area of Basingstoke.

Fishron is developing an £8million, 81 bedroom hotel for Premier Inn on the junction of Victoria Street and New Road, and has also made a further, substantial, investment in the refurbished Vantage office property, located opposite.

The property’s prominent position on the inner ring-road makes it one of the best known buildings in Basingstoke town centre and the 18,113 sq ft office is now available as a whole, on a freehold or leasehold basis, or as individual floors from 5,920 sq ft to 6,167 sq ft. Local agents Baker Davidson Thomas and Hollis Hockley have been jointly instructed to find occupiers.

Fishron Securities’ joint venture partner, Malcom McPhail, said: “There is a growing realisation in the business community that in order to attract and retain the best staff they need to offer a number of amenities to their employees and this is why, across the UK, we have witnessed a return to the town centre and new focus on accessible and sustainable locations. “I suspect that this is why Vantage has already generated interest from a number of SMEs from Basingstoke and beyond, who are looking for properties with nearby retail and leisure facilities and secure parking to suit their staff needs.”

John Fisher of Fishron Securities added: “The ongoing and planned improvements to the Top of Town in Basingstoke means that Vantage is ideally positioned in a location that will see further large-scale investment. Vantage also provides local businesses with the opportunity to acquire office space on competitive terms in comparison to many other business locations and towns such as Reading, where rents are often double those that we are able to offer here.”

Richard Thomas, of joint agent Baker Davidson Thomas, agrees and said: “As the economic conditions have improved we have seen improved interest in central locations from enterprises of all sizes. However, not all town centre properties can provide the combination of car-parking and competitive rents offered by Vantage. The building is also pretty unique in offering a prominent, high-profile position whilst also fulfilling the need for accessibility which is vital for businesses.”