Store First, the self-storage brand of U.K.-based real estate developer Group First, announced its plans to open 75 self-storage facilities in the country by 2020. The company had previously said it would expand its storage footprint to 50 properties by that time.
“Moving the goalposts for expansion wasn't part of our original plan, but we've really hit the ground running with the newest Store First centers in Glasgow and Derby, with our more established outlets performing way above expectations, too,” Toby Whittaker, Group First’s managing director, told the source. “Hitting 75 centers in six years' time may seem idealistic to some, but we love a challenge, and we want to keep meeting demand.”
Store First recently opened its 11th and 12th facilities, and plans are underway to open 10 more in the near future. The company is developing properties in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Kidderminster, London, Northampton, Peterborough, the Ribble Valley and Sunderland, England. It’s also building in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Headquartered in Padiham, England, Store First has 11 facilities in Northwest England and one in Scotland. The company’s model blends traditional self-storage units with full business amenities for small enterprises, including use of P.O. boxes, free WiFi and private meeting rooms. Site amenities include office facilities, breakout areas, packaging and shipping services, complimentary moving services, and reception areas. Security includes closed-circuit television, coded electric gates and perimeter fencing.
Group First’s property portfolio includes residential, business, self-storage and vehicle-storage assets.
Sources:
- Insider Media Limited: Storage Group Eyes 75 Sites
