Rare freehold warehouse secured in £2m Bedford deal

A Bedfordshire builders’ merchant is laying new foundations after acquiring an industrial unit in a deal worth over £2 million.

Our Industrial & Logistics team has completed the sale of the unit at 104 College Street, Kempston, Bedford (MK42), to M Markovitz Limited. The business will relocate from its current premises on St Martins Way in Bedford, securing a strategic, larger footprint to support its ongoing growth.

Paul Quy, industrial and logistics partner at Kirkby Diamond, said: "This result demonstrates the sustained strength of the regional industrial market and the depth of demand for secure, well-located units with significant yard space. We’re delighted to have achieved a successful outcome for our client and to have supported M Markovitz Limited in securing premises that will allow their business to continue thriving in Bedford.”

Eamon Kennedy, senior partner and head of industrial and logistics, added: “As freehold industrial properties are so few and far between in Bedford, we continue to see strong and sustained demand for the limited stock that does come to market. 

“These established units often benefit from larger plots, practical layouts and strategic locations within well-established industrial areas. This particular warehouse is a prime example – a rare freehold opportunity in a market where such availability remains scarce.”

The property provides 29,463 sq ft of industrial space on a 1.435-acre, fully fenced and gated site. It was originally brought to Kirkby Diamond by a longstanding client seeking a new tenant, but following market consultation the client opted for a disposal. The launch to the wider market generated intense demand, culminating in a highly competitive bidding process.

The site offers 42 parking spaces, a generous rear yard and excellent access to the A421, M1 (J13) and A1 via the Black Cat Roundabout. Situated in an established commercial pocket of Kempston, neighbouring occupiers include garages, repair centres, fabricators, electronics firms, event companies and fitness operators.

Markovitz employs around 400 people and prides itself in remaining a family-run business. The Markovitz group has grown both locally and nationwide, now encompassing eight builders’ and plumbers’ merchants, three civils depots, eleven insulation and drylining distribution centres, two luxury kitchen and bathroom studios, a specialist stove and cooker showroom, and a two AA-rosette awarded restaurant with rooms - The Merchant’s Yard in Tideswell - located in the very building where the company began.

Eddisons has expanded in the South East by acquiring Kirkby Diamond, adding 62 staff across five offices and £6.2m turnover, strengthening its agency, property management and land development services while extending its footprint across the M1 corridor.