• Swindon & Wiltshire Property
• Thursday March 20 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Business West’s Palladian mansion headquarters to be sold for £5.5 million

A Palladian mansion that has been the headquarters of business support organisation Business West for 21 years is being sold with a guide price of £5.5 million.

Leigh Court was acquired by Business West in 2004 and let as serviced office space, as well as providing a base for the company.

But with 90 per cent of Business West staff now working remotely, the organisation decided to realise its asset, reduce associated running costs, and invest elsewhere within the business.

The Grade II listed building is set within 22 acres of parkland and woodlands three-and-a-half miles from Bristol city centre. It offers 26,157 sq ft of accommodation arranged over four floors.

The current building was constructed in 1812, although the estate dates back to the Tudor period.

Currently operating as a wedding, corporate, and events venue, Leigh Court has also served as a sought-after filming location for high-profile productions including ITV’s Sanditon, Netflix’s Bridgerton, and BBC’s Doctor Who.

The property offers potential for a range of alternative uses, subject to planning and the necessary consents.

Possible future uses include a hotel, a private residential home, apartments, or a retirement living scheme.

The building also has recent history as a filming location, featuring on costume dramas Bridgerton and Sanditon, as well as sci-fi drama Doctor Who.

Additionally, the 1.27 acre car park could present an opportunity for further new-build development to enhance the site’s offering, again subject to planning.

Simon Price, partner at Alder King and acting agent for the sale, said: “Leigh Court offers a rare opportunity to acquire a property with significant historical and architectural value in a well-connected location.

“Its scale and flexibility make it an interesting prospect for a range of potential buyers.”

Phil Smith, managing director of Business West, said: “Like many businesses, in a post Covid environment, we are looking to greater flexibility of working to better meet our staff’s needs.

“More than 90 per cent of our staff are now hybrid working, with many operating fully remotely.

“Therefore, we have been reviewing our workplace strategy, and have decided to put our HQ, Leigh Court, on the market whilst considering our new approach to our office accommodation.

“Releasing significant capital tied up in our Georgian HQ, and savings on operational accommodation costs will enable us to invest more in our leadership and support resources, such as international trade and contract delivery, and support our regional development initiatives.”