The HM Customs and Excise data centre in Shoeburyness has been sold to South Essex firm, Medicart International Ltd. Dedman Gray Commercial handled the sale on behalf of the vendors Mapeley STEPS Ltd.

Medicart International Ltd – which currently employs fifty people at its headquarters in Vanguard Way in Shoeburyness - is a manufacturer and distributor of specialist medical equipment.

The Data Processing Centre was the former UK headquarters for the whole of HM Customs and Excise’s operations in this field. Row upon row of computers were housed in the main building , carrying out tasks such as the processing of the VAT returns for the entire country.

Mike Gray, Managing Director of Dedman Gray Commercial said: “Although we have a wealth of experience when it comes to dealing with commercial property, this project was unique, even by our standards. Due to its size, location and employment-related history this is an important site and we are particularly pleased that it has been bought by an established local company who now need larger premises to accommodate their continuing growth.”

The sale of the property which comprises some 50,000 sq ft of built accommodation on a site of 5.63 acres was agreed close to the asking price of £2.75m following a considerable amount of interest from prospective purchasers