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Building Dreams at Bridgers Business Barns

Tuesday, 6 February 2024 09:00

Space may have been the final frontier for Captain Kirk, but for Anthony and Chris Harris it’s something they’ve created for others to utilise, to fulfill their dreams; and with that in mind they built Bridgers Business Barns as Robert Veitch recently discovered

Anthony and Chris Harris were young boys when their father purchased Bridgers Farm in the early 1970s and it’s remained in the hands of the family ever since. Back then it was a conventional livestock farm with cattle and sheep, but over time as with other farms, diversification has been the route to success.

In more recent years, Anthony branched out into the turkey business to create the highly respected Bridgers Farm Turkeys, the only free-range ‘Golden Turkey’ producer in Sussex. Chris, on the other hand, instigated Harris Haylage, supplying the equestrian industry across the county. But the brothers were keen to work together and with this in mind, Bridgers Business Barns came into being – it’s purpose being to offer business units for companies to base themselves.

“We’ve kept one original building and rebuilt on the footprint of others,” revealed Chris. “Our business barns range from 700-2,100 square feet.” Anthony was keen to point out how even the concrete yard is. “There are no bumps, lumps or holes and there’s plenty of space. It’s perfect for a forklift, for parking, and it’s always clean and tidy.”

There are 13 units in total, of which two are nearing completion. Businesses began moving in last summer and only three remain untenanted. The brothers have project managed the works themselves and are justifiably proud of what they’ve achieved.

Each barn has individually metered three-phase electricity and plenty of electrical sockets, plus emergency lighting. There is fibre optic broadband with an operating speed of 70-80Mbps. There is also a 3m high electrical roller shutter door, insulated walls and ceilings, plus a sink and a toilet.

Each barn is supplied ‘naked’ and tenants can fit them out as they desire, to best suit the needs of their business. “All we ask,” said Anthony, “Is that tenants leave the barns as they find them.”

The site is open from 7am-7pm with access controlled by two automated security gates that remain firmly closed outside of those hours.

There are three barns currently available to potential tenants. Two offering 2,100 sq ft of floor space and one offering 1,350 sq ft. Prices are available on application. “We have a wide variety of tenants already,” revealed Chris, “And we’re looking for occupants for the last three, to complete the community here,” added Anthony.

The brothers were keen to show me three of the businesses on site. The Porch Personal Training (www.danharrisfitness.co.uk) is run by Anthony’s son, Dan, who specialises in 1-to-1 and very small group training. “The barn suits my business perfectly. It has allowed me to grow to the point where I have capacity for another personal trainer to join me. We’re open five days a week from 7am to 7pm.”

Bolney Stoves (www.bolneystoves.co.uk) moved in just before Christmas and their owner, Paul Labus, has transformed his barn by installing a mezzanine and flue. “I love it here, they’re the best landlords in the world, and ever so accommodating. It’s a clean unit in a clean yard and our customers have found it very easy to find us.”

Across the yard, Jemma Willis Whitlock, runs a canine grooming business called The Dog Barber (www.facebook.com/thedogbarberofsussex) from the remaining original flint barn. She has created a beautiful place where pooches can be groomed and pampered. It’s been so successful that the business, which started as a solo project now has a team of three. Jemma said, "I can't believe how quickly we have established ourselves here, it's a fantastic space." 

Bridgers Business Barns are located less than a mile from the A23 in an idyllic location. Despite the proximity of the dual carriageway, you are surrounded by the natural sights and sounds of the countryside. “We're 20 minutes from Brighton and Crawley, 15 minutes from Haywards Heath and Henfield, and barely ten from Burgess Hill,” noted Chris.

There’s something uplifting about the story of two brothers, who have evolved this family farm for half a century in order to maintain its place in the landscape for now and the future. Anthony and Chris have done far more than dare to dream; they’ve created and built opportunities for other businesses to do the same. So, if your business is looking for a new home, with friendly neighbours in the peaceful countryside, and great links to the A23, then this might just be the place for you.

 

Bridgers Business Barns

Bridgers Farm, Langton Lane, Hurstpierpoint, BN6 9HA

anthonyharris882@btinternet.com  - 07711 013905

chris.harris099@gmail.com  - 07860 452770

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