New commercial units on a prominent A-road site
East Sussex
Overview
Our client came to us with a simple opportunity. An area of unused land sitting beside a prominent A-road in East Sussex. The location had great visibility and easy regional connections, yet the site itself was doing very little.
The goal was to create practical commercial space for local businesses while designing a site that worked safely with the surrounding road network and landscape.
The proposal delivers seven commercial buildings, each designed to support flexible business use with a combination of office space, warehouse areas and practical access for vehicles.
The challenge
- Turning unused land into a well organised commercial site
- Creating safe access directly from a busy A-road
- Providing enough parking and circulation space for vans and small commercial vehicles
- Managing rainwater across a large hard surfaced development area
- Ensuring the development sits comfortably within the surrounding landscape
The vision
Create a practical commercial destination for local businesses.
Not anonymous industrial sheds. A well-planned site that feels organised, accessible and pleasant to work in.
Provide flexible spaces that can adapt as businesses grow, while ensuring the wider infrastructure of the site works smoothly for vehicles, drainage and green space.
The solution
Flexible commercial units
- Seven buildings arranged across the site to allow clear vehicle movement
- Each building contains eight units
- Every unit includes office space alongside industrial warehouse space
- Roller shutter doors allow direct access for deliveries and equipment
This creates spaces that work equally well for trades, light manufacturing, storage and small local businesses.
Safe and clear access
- A new roundabout was introduced to allow safe access directly from the A-road
- This improves traffic flow and allows vehicles to enter and leave the site comfortably
Parking and circulation
- Extensive on-site parking was included to support staff and visitors
- Wide circulation routes allow vans and service vehicles to move easily between buildings
Stormwater management
- A new attenuation pond was designed as part of the drainage strategy
- The pond temporarily stores rainwater during heavy storms
- This controls the rate water leaves the site and reduces flood risk to surrounding areas
Landscaping and green space
- Planting and landscaping soften the edges of the development
- A green amenity space sits at the rear of the site, offering a quieter landscape setting behind the commercial buildings
Proposed materials and character
- Durable commercial materials designed for long term use
- Metal cladding that provides a clean, professional appearance
- Roller shutters integrated neatly into the building elevations
- Landscaped areas with planting to soften parking and circulation zones
The outcome
The site is transformed from unused land into a well functioning commercial environment.
Local businesses gain practical workspace in a location with excellent road access. The site layout is clear and efficient, with parking, loading and circulation working together.
Landscaping and the attenuation pond ensure the development also responds responsibly to its wider environment.
Why it works
Flexible space for growing businesses. Office and warehouse space in the same unit supports many different types of local companies.
Strong location. Direct access from a major road makes the site easy to find and easy to reach.
Infrastructure designed properly from the start. The roundabout, parking and drainage systems ensure the site works smoothly long term.
Balanced development. Commercial activity is supported by thoughtful landscaping and green space.
Looking ahead
As businesses move in and grow, the site will become a small commercial hub for the area. The flexible unit design allows spaces to adapt as companies change, helping support the local economy for years to come.
