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IT’S ALL WRAPPED UP FOR PARCELNET AT CAPITOL PARK

Hermes, formerly know as Parcelnet, the UK's largest courier delivery network, is moving its Yorkshire headquarters to Capitol Park, south Leeds.

The company, a leading provider of home shopping services for leading retailers, is taking 30,000 sq ft of high-quality office space at Capitol House, Capitol Park West in Morley, by Junction 28 of the M62.

Hermes, advised by leading Property Consultancy Knight Frank, is paying £18.50 per sq ft on a 15-year lease and is moving into Capitol House in April with over 200 staff.

Guy Cooke, Partner with property consultancy Knight Frank in Leeds said: “Following a thorough search in Yorkshire, Parcelnet’s requirements were best satisfied by Capitol Park. The immediate availability of a prestigious HQ office within a quality environment, just off the M62, was a real attraction. The new facilities of the De Vere Village Hotel clinched the decision.”

Mr Cooke added: “This is the latest chapter in the success story of Capitol Park, Leeds, which is being developed by award-winning Leeds-based Sterling Capitol. The deal is also a telling indication that confidence in the Yorkshire out-of-town business park market remains robust”.

Martin Croxen, the chief executive of Sterling Capitol, commented: “As a company, we are extremely proud of what we have achieved here. Job creation is at the heart of our plans at Capitol Park and there are already more than1,450 people already employed on site at companies as diverse as Carcraft, dePuy, de Vere Village Hotels, Real Radio, the NHS and the Henderson Insurance Group. We are now delighted to welcome Parcelnet”

He added: “We have created one of the most impressive business parks in Yorkshire, with an excellent mix of tenants and facilities. This deal proves that premier business locations such as Capitol Park remain popular in a testing economic climate”.

Carole Woodhead, managing director of Hermes, commented: “Our move to a state-of-the-art building in Capitol Park, should take place in April 2009 and will see the company transfer from its existing head office in Bradford.. It follows previously announced changes in the company's reporting structure and will enable Parcelnet to better meet future business objectives”

She added: "Hermes's longer-term vision is to concentrate investment and expansion activities on its highly-successful distribution business, where we see significant opportunities. These measures are designed to secure our future success particularly during these difficult economic times."

Hermes recently announced a successful pre-Chistmas trading period with volumes up 3 per cent on the previous year.

Meanwhile Tomlinson House, named after the inspirational Jane Tomlinson from Leeds, is now ready for occupation. It comprises 11,000 sq ft of top-quality office space on three floors at Capitol Park West and was officially opened by Jane’s husband Mike and Harry Gration, presenter of the Look North, the BBC’s regional news programme for Yorkshire.

Martin Croxen, chief executive of Sterling Capitol, said: “Jane inspired us all with her selfless courage and commitment. It is an honour to be allowed to name our new offices after her. They will provide a lasting tribute to a very special woman”.

He added: “Tomlinson House is an important new addition to Capitol Park. Ultimately there is potential for a total of 2,500 jobs with 230,000 sq ft of office space to be developed in future phases over the next few years. We are proud of what we have achieved here”

For further information, please contact Robert Beaumont of Robert Beaumont Associates on 01423 323139