Our client, Clarion Housing Association is a registered social housing provider (RP). They purchased Merrielands Crescent, a former industrial site, to provide a mixed development of social housing, shared ownership apartments and 8 retail units. The development borders the former Ford Dagenham Plant site, which is being developed by a number of social housing providers such as Peabody and L&Q, as well as a number of private investors.
As Clarion’s commercial managing agent of choice, Grange Property Management was instructed to manage the commercial element of the development. We were closely involved at every stage of construction and consulted on the design of the commercial units.
We were subsequently instructed to market all the retail units on a joint agency basis. Our aim was to find tenants who would help to create a viable community. Clarion’s mission is not to provide housing for those in need but to create viable and lasting communities.
We have now achieved lettings for all the units and have a good tenant mix, that will service the local community and their needs. The Co-Op has taken the largest unit, which will not only provide a convenience store for the Estate, but also for the surrounding developments. A children’s soft play provider and a day nursery have taken two other units, which will be a great resource for young families moving to the area. Other retailers include a café, Subway, a beautician, a barber, and a confectioner.
We worked closely with Clarion’s solicitor to ensure that leases were granted quickly, providing service charge, EPCs and other relevant information to help make the process run smoothly.
A good tenant mix will help to retain business and employment in the area. The rent roll will also help our client to continue their good work in providing housing for those in need.
