Lights firm set for Longbridge

The UK's leading supplier of lighting and projections solutions to the entertainment and events industry has bought a massive warehouse on the former MG Rover works site at Longbridge.

PRG Europe is the first major occupier to move on to the giant complex since West Midlands-based developer St Modwen Properties started a massive regeneration programme on the Birmingham site.

The company has acquired the 157,000 sq ft property at The Cofton Centre, formerly used for MG Rover's parts distribution.

David Keighley, managing director of PRG Europe, formerly Light + Sound Design, said: "We have been based in Birmingham for over 20 years and the lease on our current warehouse, the old bus garage opposite the Blues ground, expires at the end of 2007.

"The Longbridge unit is ideal and this allows us to take the time to refurbish in exactly the way we want to.

"The site will also enable us to expand the range of services we offer clients."

Mike Murray, of St Modwen, said: "This is the first major occupier to come to Longbridge since taking over the site."

St Modwen bought the Longbridge site in a series of deals with MG Rover's former owners, the Phoenix Venture group, as they sought to keep the struggling car company afloat.

By Business Editor Jim Walsh