The portfolio, which comprises property located throughout the Yorkshire and Humber region, is predominantly industrial. Yorkshire Forward inherited the properties which were developed through property-based regeneration and economic investment programmes during the last 20 years.

Much of the property is let on a mix of short-term leases and tenancy agreements and it is envisaged that the package, that will include 50 estates, providing over 600 units, 1,7 million sq ft m of floor space and some adjoining land will be sold as a whole. Heather Hancock, Executive Director of Environment for Yorkshire Forward said: 'Yorkshire Forward's new focus in the property market is to identify where action is needed and tackle failure, such as infrastructure provision and specialist property products. The property portfolio has achieved its original objectives to provide space for new and expanding businesses, and will now be sold into the private sector, ensuring the long-term future of the estates.' King Sturge will act as sale agents.

Investment partner, Jane Winfield, of King Sturge's London office, said, 'The Yorkshire Forward sale offers a rare opportunity for a purchaser to make a strategic regional investment into an established portfolio of predominately multi-let estates. The high volume of tenants and units provides extensive opportunities to add value.'