Evolve Estates acquires Grays Brewery Quarter in Chelmsford

It is the latest acquisition by the national commercial property and investment company, which is part of M Core – one of the largest, privately held commercial property portfolios in the UK – as it continues its drive to build its retail portfolio. The Quarter, which forms part of a 19^th century brewery site, comprises 36-38 High Street and 3-7 Grays Brewery Yard, and has six retail and leisure units, plus a serviced office.

The High Street units are occupied by McDonalds and Metro Bank, while Yard, Fete, Nandos and Zizzi all operate in Grays Brewery yard. There is one vacant unit. Patch, a serviced office provider, is at the rear of the Yard and operates over four floors.

Danny O’Keefe, founding partner of Evolve said: “2022 was the busiest in our 13-year history for retail acquisitions and we are continuing the momentum in 2023, adding Grays Brewery Quarter to our growing portfolio. It sits in the heart of the bustling city centre, between the three main shopping centres and next to the former Debenhams, which is under redevelopment after being let to a major retailer.”