THE Northumberland Estate’s Rake House Farm office development in North Tyneside is over 40% let six months after completion.

The development, which was completed in August last year, had already secured three pre-lets prior to its completion.

These included lettings to environmental marketing specialists GPM Network, Coastal Hearing, a company specializing in hearing aids and Dr Mike Barnes, a world-renowned neuro surgeon.

Following the initial high level of interest in the development, there has been a further two lettings and a third unit is currently under offer.

Recent lettings include a 300 sq ft office to Ford Henderson Marketing and a 2,000 sq ft office to international and expatriate health and medical insurance specialist April Medibroker.

Rake House Farm is a conversion of traditional stone buildings providing modern open-plan office accommodation, located off the A191 in close proximity to North Tyneside General Hospital.

There are 13 offices, ranging in size from 259 sq ft to 1,965 sq ft. The development has on-site parking and high internal specification, with an attractive stone exterior.

Simon Taylor, of King Sturge, joint letting agent on the development, said: “Rake House Farm has attracted strong interest since we first started marketing the development.

“It has already reached 40% occupancy and believe it fills an important gap in the market in this part of North Tyneside, providing high-quality offices aimed at small businesses in an area where there is nothing else like this on offer.”

Simon Barratt, of joint letting agents Knight Frank, said: “The development’s location has proved a big attraction for occupiers.

“It has excellent public transport links and amenities within the hospital, including a cafe and newsagent.

“The development has already attracted a number of medical-related businesses and offers occupiers flexible-lease terms, which is important to small and growing businesses.”

James Jackson, commercial director at The Northumberland Estates, said: “We are really pleased with the success of this development.

“We knew the location would prove popular but providing the right type of facilities has been the real key. So many new developments are purpose-built, but this offers something different in that it incorporates the character of the existing farm buildings.

“This, with the high specification of the build, appears to be attracting a good mix of businesses.”