Merrifields’ 2024 roundup: project highlights and business updates

2024 has been a fantastic year for Merrifields. We’ve sold and let various properties in Bury St Edmunds and beyond, continuing to support all kinds of businesses, mostly independent, in finding new premises and much more.

We’ve also had some new developments in our business too, including Denise joining the team in March, our Agency Surveyor Mark qualifying as a Chartered Surveyor, and our office renovation.

Some of our success stories

Breckland Retail Park

In July 2024, Merrifields let the final unit at Breckland Retail Park in Thetford, welcoming Shoe Zone into a mix that included B&M, Home Bargains, The Food Warehouse, Hughes Electrical and Greggs. With every unit occupied, the retail park became a convenient shopping spot for locals.

This project highlighted our team's dedication and expertise, as well as our collaboration with various stakeholders. Not only did the retail park offer a variety of shops, but it also increased the local economy.

We are excited to continue supporting the development and success of Breckland Retail Park, ensuring it remains a foundation of Thetford's retail landscape for years to come.

10b Burrell Way

One of the standout property deals of 2024 was the off-market sale of 10B Burrell Way, Thetford. Merrifields, representing Maze Outdoors’s pension fund, managed the disposal of this 35,644 sq ft warehouse, complete with a 31,881 sq ft mezzanine floor, to Allaway Acoustics Ltd. The property’s prime location, just 0.5 miles from the A11, added to its appeal.

This transaction highlights the strong demand for freehold properties in the region and sets a new benchmark for property values in Thetford, reflecting the robust market and its continued growth.

2 Mundford Road

Also this year, we successfully sold a sizable warehouse on Mundford Road in Thetford. The property included 48,115 square feet of space and a secure yard covering 0.68 acres. Located just a mile from the A11, which links Cambridge and Norwich, this freehold warehouse was a rare find in a market with low supply.

We also took on the management of the common areas at Mundford Road Trading Estate. Home to many established businesses, our role here involved improving the shared spaces through a Service Charge. Our aim was to enhance the overall management and create a more welcoming environment for everyone. We continue to look forward to seeing the positive changes this will bring to the estate.

Our updates

New starter Denise

We were pleased to introduce Denise, who joined us at Merrifields at the end of March. As our new Property Manager Administrator, she supported Kristian in the Property Finance Management department, managing invoices and following up with suppliers.

Office refurbishment

Our office refurbishment was completed. Our newly designed open-plan space is bright and welcoming. It features both informal and private meeting areas. It’s great to welcome clients back into the office.

Memorial Cycle Ride

In September, we supported a heartfelt journey led by a dedicated group, including our Director, Gordon Ellis. The ride commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Ermondville Air Disaster of 1974, paying tribute to the 18 rugby club members sadly lost in the tragedy, including Gordon’s father.

The team cycled 354 miles from Ermondville, Paris to the Bury St Edmunds Rugby Club. This incredible effort honoured their memory, raised thousands of pounds for St Nicholas Hospice and supported the development of a new all-weather pitch at the rugby club.

Thank you to everyone who supported this meaningful mission.

Mark qualified as a Chartered Surveyor

Mark officially qualified as a Chartered Surveyor and became a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

He joined Merrifields in 2017 as a Graduate Surveyor. After completing his post-graduate Masters between 2018 and 2020, he spent the following four years working towards his Assessment of Professional Competence (APC), which he successfully completed.

At Merrifields, Mark works with the agency department on commercial property lettings, sales and acquisitions. His hard work and dedication makes him a key part of our team.