POTENTIAL industrial occupiers looking to control overheads are showing strong interest in a number of the newly refurbished units on the Central Trading Estate at Southampton.

The estate comprises 18 units with a total floor area of around 162,000 sq ft and is located next to Southampton Football Club's Friends Provident St Mary's Stadium at Northam.

According to letting agents Austin Adams, the refurbishment programme has included new roofing, redecorated cladding, lighting and carpeting.

Features of the accommodation include a main warehouse area and separate two-storey office accommodation, large loading doors and 5.5m internal eaves height. With asking rents from £5.50 per sq ft, the refurbished units are available at rents approximately 20 per cent lower than new-build industrial premises.

One of the four units available, at 4,00sq ft is under offer, and the remaining units range in size from 4,484 to 12,574 sq ft.

"Central Trading Estate represents excellent value in the current market, comparing well to best achievable rents for new space which currently run at £7 per sq ft,'' said Adrian Whitfield, director designate at agents Austin Adams.

"The significant investment being made by LaSalle Investment Management will further enhance its position, attracting tenants from the local area and further afield.''

Acting on behalf of Coal Pension Properties, LaSalle Investment Management purchased the freehold interest in Central Trading Estate early last year for £2.9m. According to the agents, trade counter users in particular have found the estate's locality ideal, with existing occupiers including Magnet and Newey & Eyre.

Sebastian Hayes, asset manager at LIM, said: "Our aim was to enhance and add value to an already established estate. By drawing on LaSalle's specialist expertise and active management capabilities, both the perception and physical fabric of the estate is being transformed.''