Spaceport holds key to property

Prestwick’s potential Spaceport is ready to launch a rocket- fuelled rise in commercial and industrial property demand, a leading agency has said.

Anthony Zdanowicz, chartered surveyor at DM Hall’s Ayr office, said: “The possibility of the spaceport’s development has struck a note of major optimism for what has been a challenging market for commercial and industrial property in Ayrshire.

“In the event of Prestwick – which is already emerging as a popular destination for the licensing and leisure industries – succeeding in its bid, it is highly likely that demand for industrial and commercial properties will far outstrip supply.”

Predicting a wider period of promise for Ayrshire, Mr Zdanowicz added: “Heading up the coast to Irvine, regeneration has seen a transformative effect, with over £ 10 million invested in local construction and development and 1,283 jobs created by the Irvine Bay Urban Regeneration Project, universally regarded as a success.

“The effect on the wider property market has been sustained and measurable and is, at least in part, instrumental in our firm’s upgraded presence in Ayr.

“On the industrial side of the market as well, there is cause for hope.

“We have seen a sustained upturn in properties which have been lying empty and in some cases derelict, being refurbished, or demolished and repurposed to new uses.”

He added: “The commercial property market has suffered through a period of significant challenge in recent years, but every sign we are seeing indicates recovery and improvement in conditions.”