After months of economic hesitation, Dorset’s industrial market is showing signs of life again. Industrial enquiries are rising, occupiers are making decisions, and confidence is returning across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. But behind the renewed momentum sits a familiar question.
Can the region deliver the space that businesses are clearly ready to take? Bryony Thompson, Industrial Agency Partner in our Bournemouth office, explores.
What stands out in recent months is the breadth of demand. Established firms are seeking extra capacity, scale‑ups are moving into their first dedicated premises, and interest is coming from a wide mix of sectors, from specialist manufacturing, distribution and healthcare to leisure. It’s a reminder that Dorset’s industrial economy is diversifying, not simply recovering.
Bedrock Park in Wimborne is a case in point. The scheme is now close to fully let, with only six units remaining. Its occupier line‑up, spanning aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and trade‑counter operators, reflects the eclectic mix driving activity in the region.
Among them is Nanuskate, a start‑up designing portable skateboard ramps, which has recently taken a 6,260 sq ft unit on a ten‑year lease in a deal secured by our agents on behalf of the landlord. For young, ambitious businesses like this, modern, energy‑efficient space isn’t a luxury, it’s the infrastructure that enables growth.
We are also experiencing equally strong demand at the larger end of the market.
At Magna Park in Poole, two new production and distribution units of 23,300 sq ft and 33,000 sq ft have been let to Cross Court Padel and Medequip. Both buildings carry A+ EPC ratings of -52, with solar PV and battery storage systems that allow them to generate more energy than they consume.
Specifications of this calibre remain rare in Dorset, but occupiers are clearly prepared to commit when they appear, and are choosing them for operational efficiency as much as environmental responsibility.
Yet, despite all this demand, the region’s long‑standing supply challenge persists.
Dorset continues to suffer from a shortage of good‑quality new and refurbished industrial stock, particularly above 10,000 sq ft.
Industrial property construction costs remain stubbornly high, often outpacing the rents required to make new development viable. Despite this, rental growth is continuing, with quoting rents for the proposed Magna 40 unit quoting £13.50 per sq ft, reflecting both rising confidence and the ongoing imbalance between supply and demand.
Future industrial development in Dorset will be critical. The 1.238‑acre Phase 2 site at Churchill Business Park in Poole which is being marketed by our agents for sale with outline consent for industrial and distribution uses, has the potential to deliver around 21,000 sq ft of new accommodation.
We have also been instructed by Kingsbridge to market their major sustainable industrial development at Sopers Lane, Poole. A speculative development, phase one will deliver 100,000 sq ft of “best in class” industrial/warehouse units which will be ready for occupation at the end of 2027. Sites like this will determine whether Dorset can sustain its current momentum.
The message from recent activity is that occupiers are ready to commit when the right space is available. The challenge now is unlocking a stronger pipeline of deliverable industrial sites and buildings. Without it, Dorset risks constraining the very businesses that are investing, expanding and creating employment across the region.
