How do I rent an industrial warehouse?
I would appreciate any advice around how to rent (Long term) an industrial warehouse which I can use for my business (events management, venue hire).
I am looking to rent a property near where I live which is currently empty. It used to be a shop selling furniture. Its a size of an industrial warehouse (I suspect it will be in Class A) and I will like to use as a place for holding events (yoga classes, meeting spaces and possibly parties).
I want to do this as a long term business and possibly over the time convert it to a Kiddies Amusement Centre.
My questions
Is this possible with landlords?
Would my intended use be classed as – Class D?
How do I put this to an commercial property agent which it sounding like subletting?
Many Thanks
Ossy
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Member Since November 2014 - Comments: 63
8:39 AM, 21st April 2017, About 9 years ago
Not sure i understand the question.
If the landlord wants to let
Uses classes are here https://www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/9/change_of_use
Why would it be a sub-letting?
Subletting WITH CONSENT may not be an issue with commercial
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 754
9:36 AM, 21st April 2017, About 9 years ago
Ossy
Your query is quite straightforward although there are many elements to it, with many unknowns (i.e. the location, the specifics of the property etc.), so it is not possible to give you all the answers you need on this forum without knowing more.
I suggest initially that you approach the owner of the property or their agent and ask the questions. They would be able to let you know if they/their client will entertain you/your use at the property and whether it is within your budget, and if so, you would then be able to pursue the wider issues such as planning etc.
If the initial responses are favourable, the best advice I can give you is to retain your own commercial agent to advise you, and he/she can deal with all of these issues for you. You will also need a solicitor specialising in commercial property to assist.
Please do not take advice from people without the relevant experience. The elements in themselves are not unusual or difficult – when you know what you are doing – and that is the key point here. It is very easy to make mistakes in term of the planning, tenancy eg user clause, repairing provisions etc. that could be very expensive in the longer term, so taking the right advice will be pay you in the long run.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1996 - Articles: 21
4:42 PM, 21st April 2017, About 9 years ago
Ossy
Take professional advice and be very, very careful. Do NOT sign an FRI (Full Repairing and Insuring) lease unless the building is in tip top condition. The one you mention won’t be. Even covenanting to keep it in the same condition as it is in the day you take it is an ONEROUS obligation. If you don’t know what you are doing (and your question suggests you are new to this) you can lumber yourself with a very expensive problem as Freda Blogs says. You could end up being liable to pay for a rebuild!