Workington Innovation Centre, West Cumbria’s newest business destination, is now open for companies and individuals seeking a great new workspace.
The facility, built by Cumberland Council, is part of the Workington Town Deal – £23.1 million of Government funding for a range of transformative projects, which also include a new sports village and improvements to Workington Port, as well as improved public realm.
This new 15,000 sq ft, four-storey building comprises a mix of office and workshop accommodation, as well as facilities such as co-working and meeting rooms for hire, and a virtual office service. There are 33 units – 30 offices and three workshops – which are ideal for growing businesses or those who need an administrative HQ. They could also be used as studio space for creatives.
The building is fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all floors and sections. Businesses can apply now for the office and workshop space and move in whenever they’re ready.
And this is more than just an office space. Oxford Innovation Space will run Workington Innovation Centre on the Council’s behalf and every customer renting office or workshop space has access to an experienced Business Growth Manager, as do those hiring co-working space on subscription. They will deliver high-quality strategic support to resident businesses, using their experience in economic development, commercial innovation-driven enterprises and community engagement.
Jo Stevens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space, said: “We are incredibly pleased to add Workington Innovation Centre to the network of innovation centres we manage across the UK and Ireland.
It will have a strong focus on fostering an environment and atmosphere of innovation, while expanding access to flexible, high-quality workspace in the town centre and creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes to connect and grow.
The team has a strong focus on work experience, apprenticeships and creating a pool of talent for the county. This will feed into the next generation of business in Cumbria, retaining talent and linking companies and their supply chains. We are embarking on a new era for Workington – its businesses and its people.”
Leader of Cumberland Council, Councillor Mark Fryer, added: “It is fantastic to see Workington Innovation Centre opening its doors to businesses who are keen to make their base in this great new building.
Not only will it give them an excellent space to work, it will also give the Cumberland economy an additional boost. The aim is that the Innovation Centre will contribute to the growth and retention of SMEs within Workington and West Cumbria, as well as to give an uplift in innovation activity throughout the area.”
Eve Napier, Centre Director for Workington Innovation Centre, added: “We are really excited to be opening the doors to businesses and the interest we have had so far is amazing. Some of the spaces are already filled and we are keen to hear from anyone who wants to start up here or relocate to Workington.
Come and talk to us, have a tour, then we can discuss your requirements, and you can plan for the future of your business in this fresh new space.”
Get in touch with Eve and the team by emailing info@workington-ic.co.uk or call 01900 403770.
News release issued by Suzanne Elsworth on behalf of Workington Innovation Centre. For more information or to arrange an interview, email elsworthcommunications@hotmail.co.uk or call 07881816140.
