Finchale Group is set to move into brand new commercial premises at Belmont Business Park, Durham, in a deal brokered by leading real estate agent BNP Paribas Real Estate.
The independent charity, which works to support people with complex barriers to employment to realise their full potential, has signed an agreement with property developer Mandale to build 10,000 sq ft of Grade A purpose-built office space on the 34-acre park, which will be ready for occupation in November 2018.
Finchale Group’s current premises, Finchale College, was founded in 1943 as a rehabilitation and resettlement centre for Service personnel returning from active service, and the charity has retained a strong link with the Armed Forces ever since.
The new premises will be named Richard Annand House after war hero Captain Richard Annand, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1940, and worked for 30 years as a personnel officer at Finchale College after the Second World War. Given Finchale Group’s strong links to the armed forces, the building will be opened by a distinguished dignitary.
Melvin Pears MBE, CEO of Finchale Group, said: “I believe our relocation and re-positioning will make Finchale Group stronger than ever and provide us with the foundations to reach more people across the North East and deliver one-to-one support in their homes and communities. We are still building on our 75 years of expertise by developing new ways to help individuals and their families who face a complex mix of issues.
“Our new home is being built close to public transport, leisure and sporting facilities, with a wide range of training and employment opportunities. The building will incorporate training suites (available for hire), a drop-in centre, fantastic I.T. facilities and easily-accessible office space (for lease and hire) as well as parking space, all to enhance the experiences of our clients and communities.
“I’d like to thank Aidan Baker and the BNP Paribas Real Estate team - we are delighted with your efforts and advice.”
Aidan Baker, Director in Office Agency at BNP Paribas Real Estate said: “We are delighted to have advised Finchale on the acquisition of its new headquarters. Finchale continues to build a lasting legacy in the North East with its valuable work in support of local communities and army veterans, spouses and dependents. The new accommodation will provide a purpose built office building over three storeys, built to a high standard.”
Finchale College was previously marketed by Strutt & Parker, part of BNP Paribas Real Estate, for residential development, with planning permission granted for 93 homes. The 5.54 hectare site is located just north of Durham city centre, approximately 900m from the Arnison Shopping Centre, a supermarket and retail park.
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About Finchale Group
Finchale Group is an independent charity and leading provider of specialist employment programmes that support people with complex barriers to employment that want to make a life change to realise their full potential.
We are local people supporting our communities and our values are underpinned by a legacy of more than 75 years of providing client focused support for the Armed Forces community, those who seek to overcome challenges to find work and a sustainable future in the community, and those who are hard to help but seek a structured lifestyle.
Website: www.finchale.org
Twitter: @finchale_org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/finchale.org LinkedIn : www.linkedin.com/company/finchale
For further information please contact:
Katharine Hawking
Social Media and Marketing Officer Finchale Group
Tel: 0191 386 2634
Mob: 07540 963 734 Email: katharine.hawking@finchale.org
