Property

Published: January 22, 2025 | Updated: 22nd January 2025
Commercial property developer Kingsbridge has been given consent for a major warehouse and manufacturing scheme in Poole that it says will create hundreds of jobs.
BCP Council has granted permission for the 207,000 sq ft scheme at Sopers Lane on a 10.7-acre site formerly owned by Siemens plc.
Kingsbridge acquired the site in 2023.
The first phase of the development is set to be a high-tech 106,000 sq ft manufacturing facility pre-let to IMI Poole, formerly known as Thompson Valves, which makes high-integrity solenoid valves and pressure regulators.
The firm will then relocate 240 highly skilled staff from its nearby Creekmoor facility in Poole into a new centre of engineering excellence at Sopers Lane.
Gary Clapcott, managing director of IMI Poole, said: “As one of Poole’s leading employers for more than six decades, we remain highly committed to our local community.
“This move to a new facility further underlines that IMI will be part of the town’s long-term future and continue to be a responsible and considerate employer.”
The second phase of the new development comprises nine units between 3,750 sq ft and 26,000 sq ft.
All units will be built to BREEAM Excellent environmental standard and target EPC A energy performance with rooftop solar panels and EV charging points.
Jeremy Sharland, development director at Kingsbridge, said: “We’re privileged to be able to bring this entire site back into full economic use by providing best-in-class, highly sustainable employment space that will bring jobs and prosperity to the local area.”
Development is expected to start this March, with the first-phase handover targeted for Spring 2026.