News Article

Baguette Express Signs a Deal to Open at Maxim

30/06/2009

Successful food retail franchise, Baguette Express, is continuing its aggressive UK expansion with the conclusion of a deal for an outlet on the prestigious Maxim office park development in the Lanarkshire area.  The upmarket sandwich shop chain has agreed a deal to operate a 1,453 sq ft unit on the landmark site, which is expected to attract in excess of 8,000 jobs. Maxim has agreed a 10 year lease term at an initial rent of £25,000 per annum. The deal follows the recent high profile letting at the £330 million office park to Prime Time Nurseries for 7,500 sq ft of space.

Baguette Express was established in 1999 to provide an alternative approach to the expanding world of healthy snacking. The company’s brand image and operating ethos is to provide a modern, warm and inviting outlet with a wide range of food at an attractive price level and pricing structure. Its customer base is aimed principally at young professionals, students and office workers.

Robin and Billy Stenhouse, owners of the Baguette Express chain, are anticipating being open for business in September this year. Robin Stenhouse, director, Baguette Express advised that:

“We are delighted to be opening a Baguette Express branch in Maxim Office Park, which demonstrates our willingness to try new sites, as well as our traditional focus for High Street opportunities” Maxim chief executive, Karen Campbell, is delighted to have attracted a retailer such as Baguette Express to the development.

She said: “This latest letting further strengthens our commitment to delivering a comprehensive range of amenities which will be fully operational on site in advance of occupiers moving into the office buildings. A strong brand such as Baguette Express reinforces our focus on quality and service. “There is a clear vision of what Maxim will deliver on final completion in 2010 – a best in class office park environment offering a better way of working. “Maxim will create a vibrant, integrated campus offering Grade A office accommodation, a range of shops, a wine bar and restaurant as well as childcare and leisure facilities. Amenities will also feature a PGA accredited putting facility which is supported by leading Scots golfer Alistair Forsyth”.

The Maxim office park is the UK’s largest ‘live’ office park development comprising 10 buildings totalling 750,000 sq.ft. of space. First Minister, Alex Salmond visited the development in November and was impressed with what he described as an “Ambitious development which has the potential to make a significant contribution to the Scottish economy and attract new jobs to Lanarkshire.” Maxim is progressing negotiations with a number of tenants at present, with further announcements of new deals expected shortly.