Business hub for start-ups set to open in summer
Stuart WalkerA business hub aiming to attract start-ups has been completed.
The Innovation Centre in Workington, Cumbria, which was built as part of the £23.1m government-backed Town Deal, is due to open in the summer.
Cumberland Council, which led on the project, said the facility would bring modern office accommodation to Workington, which was "currently lacking in the town".
The space will be managed by Oxford Innovation Space, a company brought in to help start-ups and small businesses achieve their ambitions.
The company's managing director Jo Stevens said: "Beyond high-quality workspace, businesses will benefit from tailored innovation and business support, strong local partnerships, and access to a wider national network of centres."
She added the focus would be on digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses.
The building was constructed on part of the former Central Car Park in Workington town centre.
The Labour-led council said 99.97% of the construction waste was diverted from landfill, and all of the machinery on site used hydrotreated vegetable oil as a diesel alternative.
Leader Mark Fryer said: "The Innovation Centre will give a huge boost to Cumbria's business community and is also in an ideal place to increase footfall to the town centre and make use of Workington's transport links."