Former Hallmark Cards site in Bradford hits the market for £2.25m

A 5.47-acre south Bradford industrial site has been placed on the market by Hallmark Cards.

The site, comprising 180,000 sq ft of single-storey manufacturing and distribution buildings, is located next to Hallmark’s headquarters in Dawson Lane by the South Bradford Ring Road.

The site is being marketed by Leeds-based property consultancy Dove, Haigh Phillips. Offers of £2.25m are invited for the site, which used to be Hallmark’s printing works.

Mike Dove, partner with Dove Haigh Phillips, explained: “This rare and outstanding opportunity for the refurbishment or redevelopment of a top Bradford industrial site has arisen because of Hallmark’s commitment to its European headquarters in Dawson Lane.

“Following the company’s decision to switch its head office from Bingley Road, Bradford, to its main distribution centre at Dawson Lane, it is now enhancing this site, close to the city’s ring road. This is a prime opportunity and immediately available for the West Yorkshire market.

“The 5.47 acre site and existing buildings on a mainly level plateau provides several natural opportunities. A purchaser could fully utilise the extensive existing buildings or create a smaller unit of, say, approximately 125,000 sq ft plus, with enhanced loading and parking areas.”

The site may also be suitable for alternative uses including residential development subject to planning approval.

Mr Dove added: “It is exceptionally well-located, with easy access to the A6177 Bradford ring road and the A650 Wakefield Road and close to the M606 and Junction 26 of the M62, at the heart of Yorkshire’s superb motorway network.

“There are also excellent labour demographics in south Bradford, with a skilled workforce available at competitive wages. Meanwhile nearby high-profile occupiers include Princess Foods, McBride, Asda, marks and Spencer National Distribution Centre and the Yorkshire Building Society.”

Dove Haigh Phillips previously advised Hallmark Cards on a disposal of a 7-acre site at Bingley Road which was sold for residential development to Taylor Wimpey in 2009.

Steve Wright, Hallmark’s international chief executive, said: “We’re excited about the opportunity that moving to Dawson Lane presents.

“The essence of our company is design and creativity and the relocation gives us an opportunity to re-shape our head office and ensure that it fits our needs as both a creative and customer focussed business.

“Although we will be sad to leave Bingley Road, it gives us a real chance to bring our Bradford-based teams together under one roof and create a new culture in the process. We’re committed to Bradford, we’ve been here for more than 30 years and we’re proud to be based in the city.”