Hamilton International Park Welcomes Britain's Favourite Retailer

In what has been billed as one of the most significant property deals of the year, "Britain's Favourite Retailer" John Lewis Plc are the latest occupier to expand and locate to Hamilton International Park, in a move which will create 280 new jobs.

The move represents continued affirmation that Hamilton International Park is a serious alternative to a City Centre location. The household name has signed up to locate a new centralised contact centre facility in the 40,000 sq ft Fintry House, recently completed by park developer HF Developments.

In February, John Lewis had announced that it is to centralise customer services to maintain and build on its position as the UK's leading retailer for customer service. HFD's development director Stephen Lewis, explained: "John Lewis' clear commitment to their Partners (staff) was immediately evident in their search for a new location.

"Of fundamental importance was availability of staff, public transport access, and on site staff amenities. Hamilton International Park delivered on all three counts.

"Lanarkshire has a wide and diverse talent pool, with a third of Scotland's population with a 35 minute journey to work time. The three train stations within a two mile radius, and ten scheduled bus services connecting the Park to Lanarkshire, Glasgow and beyond, make Hamilton International one of Scotland's best connected Parks by public transport."

Once on site, Park occupiers have access to a comprehensive range of on site facilities and amenities at the Park's retail parade including a day care nursery, dental practice, beauty salon and Lloyds pharmacy alongside Greggs bakery and MYO Cafe. ATM facilities and a weekly Mobile Banking service from RBS all help the 4,200 staff that the John Lewis Partners will join on site to achieve that all important work life balance.

In addition to providing the stand alone building and enhanced car parking provision, HF Developments are delivering a highly sustainable fit out for John Lewis as part of their overall highly attractive incentive package.

Ann Allen, Property Manager at John Lewis Partnership commented "HF Developments innovative approach and extensive experience in delivering bespoke accommodation packages has been a significant factor in our decision to locate to Hamilton International Park. The deal encompasses not just space in a building, but a tailored, project managed property solution to meet our specific requirements for the new contact centre. We will deliver a best in class working environment for our Partners, as we firmly believe that our business is powered by its people."

John Lewis plan to be operational in June 2010, joining other blue chip occupiers such as ScottishPower, Centrica, T Mobile, HSBC, First Direct and Carillion Plc. John Lewis were represented by CBRE, with HF Developments self-represented.

Ends

Notes to Editors: Hamilton International Park

Well established An established, dynamic business location, Hamilton International Park is home to a number of blue chip companies including ScottishPower, Babcock Rail, Carillion, HSBC, First Direct, Scottish & Universal Newspapers and many more. Over 4,000 people are employed on site, a figure which will double when the Park is fully occupied. Park Developers HFD are expanding the range of flexible, high quality office accommodation to further support the Park's future growth.
The Park is centrally located in the heart of Scotland, approximately 13 miles south east of Glasgow City Centre. It is served by the A725 East Kilbride Expressway, which provides quick and easy access to the M8 (Glasgow & Edinburgh) and M74 (Carlisle & the South) motorway networks. DTZ, Lambert Smith Hampton and Cushman & Wakefield are retained letting agents for the available office accommodation at Hamilton International Park.