Titan Storage Solutions, which operates eight self-storage facilities in England, is opening a new location this month in Sidcup, England, that’s attracting tourists. The company recently converted a portion of the former Klinger Factory, which was built in 1937 by engineering firm Richard Klinger Ltd. Set to open on Sept. 30 in the Klinger Industrial Estate, the iconic building has a distinct look that draws attention, according to sources.
“Since our contractors have restored the façade, a number of local residents have taken time to attend the site to take pictures and speak to the contractors about what the building will be used for, and to congratulate the builders on the work they have done to restore this local building,” said Dan O'Sullivan, area manager for Titan. “It has all been derelict for a number of years, so the residents are grateful that its appearance has now been significantly improved and is once again part of the community.”
Tours of the building will be available on opening day, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. “We also received requests from locals on social media platforms asking if they would be able to have a tour around the inside of the building when we are open. This is despite them not having a need for the service we will be offering. They are simply interested due to the history of the Klinger building,” O’Sullivan said.
The building was designed by Wallis Gilbert for Klinger, an Austrian manufacturer of valves and borosilicate-gauge glasses. It was later sold to pipe-company Trouvay Cauvin before closing in the 1990s. U.K. property-management company Chancerygate purchased the site in 2016, and the Bromley Council approved the demolition of most of the factory a year later. The clock tower and front building as well as the wings were spared and incorporated into the new design, which includes 15 industrial units and the two-story self-storage facility in the east wing.
Titan opened its first facility in Littlehampton, England, in 2012. It also operates facilities in Bracknell, Braintree, Leamington Spa, Poole, Sidcup, Solihull and Woking, England. In addition to storage, it provides moving services.
Source:
Baxley Times, Curious Residents Prompt Storage Company in Klinger Building to Have Open Day
Bromley Times, Demolition of Long-Abandoned Klinger Factory Approved by Bromley Council