Crawley Commercial Property Report
A Guide to the Gatwick Diamond’s Economic Engine on Comparetheoffices.com
Why Crawley? A Hub of International Commerce and Connectivity
Crawley is the economic powerhouse of the Gatwick Diamond, one of the most dynamic and successful regional economies in the UK. The town’s identity and prosperity are inextricably linked to its immediate proximity to Gatwick Airport, the UK’s second-largest airport. This has established Crawley as a premier UK hub for aviation, logistics, international trade, and engineering, attracting a host of major global companies including Thales, Boeing, and Nestlé.
With its superb connectivity via road, rail, and air, a highly skilled workforce, and a proactive approach to economic development, Crawley offers businesses an unparalleled strategic location. The ongoing multi-billion-pound investment in the town and airport infrastructure is cementing its status as a resilient, forward-thinking, and globally connected place to do business.
The Crawley Office Market: A Snapshot
Crawley’s office market is uniquely positioned, with demand heavily influenced by Gatwick Airport and the extensive corporate ecosystem that supports it. The market is characterised by consistent demand from a diverse range of occupiers, from global HQs to specialist aviation service companies. A strong “flight to quality” trend is evident, with businesses prioritising modern, flexible, and sustainable office buildings that help attract and retain talent. This is particularly true in the town’s premier business districts, such as Manor Royal.
Prime headline rents for Grade A office space stand at approximately £35 per sq ft, reflecting the quality of the available stock and the town’s strategic importance. With significant public and private investment being channelled into regeneration and new development, the commercial property landscape is set to evolve, offering new, high-quality options for occupiers.
Your Workspace Strategy: Navigating Flexibility and Stability
Choosing the right office model is a critical decision for any business. A flexible serviced office provides an agile, all-inclusive solution, perfect for companies needing to move quickly or scale their operations with minimal capital expenditure. A traditional lease offers a long-term, stable home with complete control over branding and culture, making it suitable for established companies with predictable headcount and a desire to create a bespoke environment.
| Attribute | Serviced Office | Traditional Leased Office |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Short-term, flexible license agreements, often from just a few months, allowing for maximum agility. | A long-term, legally binding lease, typically for a minimum of 5-10 years, offering security. |
| Cost Structure | A single, predictable monthly payment covering rent, rates, utilities, internet, and shared facilities. | A base rent per sq ft, plus separate and variable costs for business rates, service charges, and utilities. |
| Upfront Capital | Minimal upfront cost, usually a small deposit, preserving cash flow for core business activities. | Significant capital investment required for legal fees, fit-out, furniture, and IT infrastructure. |
| Environment | A managed, professional environment with access to shared amenities and a built-in business community. | A private, self-contained space that can be fully customised to reflect a company’s brand and culture. |
Featured Office Providers in Crawley
Crawley’s commercial property market offers a range of high-quality, well-connected workspace solutions in its key business districts.
The Pinnacle
Located within the Manor Royal Business District, The Pinnacle is a landmark office building offering high-quality, modern workspace. It’s an ideal location for businesses seeking a prestigious address within a dynamic corporate environment.
- Landmark Manor Royal building
- Excellent on-site parking and amenities
- High-specification, flexible office suites
- Superb access to M23 and Gatwick
Station Way
This business centre offers a prime town-centre location directly opposite Crawley railway station. It provides ultimate convenience for commuters and visitors, with modern office facilities and the town’s amenities on the doorstep.
- Prime town centre location
- Adjacent to Crawley railway station
- Excellent for commuter access
- Modern, refurbished office space
Stephenson Way
Situated next to Three Bridges station, this business centre is a commuter’s dream. It offers fast, direct train services to London, Brighton, and Gatwick Airport, making it a highly strategic location for businesses with a mobile workforce.
- Located next to Three Bridges station
- Unrivalled rail connectivity
- Modern, professional workspace
- Ideal for businesses with London links
Spotlight on Key Business Districts
Manor Royal Business District
Manor Royal is one of the UK’s most significant business parks and the heart of the Gatwick Diamond economy. Covering 540 acres, it is home to over 600 businesses and 30,000 employees, including a high concentration of global HQs. With its own dedicated management team (the Manor Royal BID), excellent infrastructure, and a strong sense of community, it offers a world-class environment for businesses in sectors from advanced manufacturing to aviation services.
Crawley Town Centre
The town centre provides a vibrant mixed-use environment, combining retail, leisure, and commercial space. Key assets include the County Mall shopping centre and a range of office buildings that benefit from proximity to Crawley’s main railway station and public amenities. The town centre is the focus of a major regeneration programme aimed at enhancing its public realm and creating a more dynamic urban core.
Gatwick Airport
More than just a transport hub, Gatwick Airport itself is a major business location. The surrounding area is home to a vast ecosystem of companies directly and indirectly related to the aviation industry, including logistics operators, freight forwarders, airline services, and hotel chains. This creates a unique commercial environment focused on global trade and connectivity.
The Future of Crawley: A Vision for Growth
Crawley’s future as a leading economic hub is being driven by a coordinated programme of major public and private sector investment.
The Crawley Growth Programme
This is a £73 million programme of major projects designed to support the town’s economic growth. Key schemes include the regeneration of Crawley Station and its surrounding area (Station Gateway) to create a new, high-quality arrival point; major investment in sustainable transport infrastructure to improve connectivity across the town; and enhancements to the public realm in the town centre to create a more attractive environment for businesses and residents.
Manor Royal Improvement Programme
Through the Manor Royal Business Improvement District (BID), millions of pounds are being continually reinvested into the area’s infrastructure. Projects focus on improving transport, digital connectivity (with full-fibre broadband), and the public realm, as well as providing business support services to ensure Manor Royal remains a competitive and cutting-edge place to do business.
Conclusion: A Premier Global Business Hub
Crawley’s commercial property market is uniquely robust, underpinned by the powerful economic engine of Gatwick Airport and the Gatwick Diamond. The town’s unparalleled connectivity, combined with a deep and diverse corporate ecosystem, makes it a highly attractive destination for national and international companies. The ongoing investment in regeneration and infrastructure is ensuring that Crawley will continue to provide the modern, sustainable, and well-connected workspaces that leading businesses require to compete on a global stage.
Key Takeaways for Businesses:
- Unrivalled Global Connectivity: Proximity to Gatwick Airport and excellent road/rail links to London and the coast.
- A Hub for International Business: A proven location for major global companies in aviation, logistics, pharma, and tech.
- World-Class Business Environment: The Manor Royal Business District offers a premier, self-contained corporate ecosystem.
- Investment in Growth: A major, long-term regeneration programme is enhancing infrastructure and creating new opportunities.
