O'Brien Demolition's acquisition of Gateshead industrial site sees new jobs in pipeline

Newcastle-based HTA Real Estate is set to relocate to a new home following two transactions with a regional industrial property firm.

The firm has completed the sale of the former AEI Cables facility in Birtley in a deal that aims to help secure job opportunities in Gateshead.

O’Brien Demolition, which undertakes industrial contracting services including asbestos removal, dismantling and asset management, has purchased the 24.8-acre site on Durham Road as the firm relocates from its former head office in South Tyneside.

In a separate deal, HTA Real Estate has also secured a tenant for the former O’Brien headquarters at Cleadon Lane in East Boldon, which it has leased to Cooper BMW.

HTA Real Estate’s director, Simon Hill, said: “It’s great news that this important Birtley site, which incorporates a two-storey office block and workshops, is to remain in industrial use and will continue to offer employment opportunities for local people following the purchase by O’Brien Demolition.

“The location of the site and particularly its close proximity to the A1 proved to be major factor in this deal and will help to facilitate the movement of heavy plant for O’Brien.

“We’re also pleased to have been able to secure a high calibre tenant for their property in Boldon so quickly.”

O’Brien Demolition’s MD, Gordon O’Brien, added: “The ongoing expansion of the business means we needed to move to larger premises, and our new home in Birtley has great potential for an aggregate recycling facility.

“HTA’s high level of professionalism and market knowledge not only helped ensure a smooth transaction in the purchase of the Birtley site, but also led to the sourcing of a tenant to take over our Boldon site, which is a fantastic result.”

O’Brien Demolition is also aiming to increase its headcount by 20 per cent this year.