Defying sector slump.

WARRINGTON is defying the gloom around the UK commercial property sector with take-up of office space up 20% in 2008, according to a new report.

The Warrington Annual Property Review, produced for the borough council by BE Group, revealed that the local office market recorded its second highest number of deals of more than 2,000 sq ft since 1997.

By the end of 2008, total office space take-up had increased by 20% from the 2007 level to reach more than 250,000 sq ft.

This coincided with a new high prime office rent achieved by MEPC Birchwood Park, where the high profile Bridgewater Place attracted relocations from Rolls Royce and UKAEA at just under pounds 18.50 per sq ft..