CREATIVE START-UP businesses are setting up home in a new hub for organisations working in the creative and digital sectors.
Vulcan Works pictured below, which was created through transforming a Grade II listed former ironworks factory in Northampton, is the result of a £14 million project funded by West Northamptonshire Council and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership, which facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million, together with £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund.
Invited guests networked over cocktails and canapes and toured the building and applauded speeches by key players in the centre’s construction at the official opening on Wednesday (April 19). A total 12 businesses are already in situ in Vulcan Works, with others taking advantage of its hot desking and co-working options.
The purpose-built hub is managed by Oxford Innovation Space and provides lettable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and coworking spaces for start-up businesses. The space mixes the old with the new by retaining some quirky original features and naming its rooms in honour of its shoe-making history.
Redevelopment completed in February.
Centre manager Garrick Hurter said: “We have been so busy getting Vulcan Works up and running and facilitating show arounds to prospective customers over the last few weeks and months so it is wonderful to see all that hard work come to fruition and officially launch this fantastic space to the public.
“We want to build a real community here and a space that is supportive and nurturing to young and growing businesses in creative industries and today is the start of that.”
It is estimated that Vulcan Works will support around 150 start-up businesses in its first ten years, creating around 500 jobs in the area. The centre has also pledged to work with local contractors and agencies, ploughing more money back into the local economy.
Cllr Daniel Lister, cabinet member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Vulcan Works provides a unique offer for West Northants creative and digital industries. The rejuvenated historical hub combines flexible office space, with first-class support to help businesses flourish.
“It was great to have the opportunity to speak to many businesses who are already calling this space home and meet those who are due to move in over the forthcoming weeks.”
Oxford Innovation Space’s managing director Jo Stevens added: “The Vulcan Works project has been an absolute pleasure to work on and to see the centre officially launch gives all of us at Oxford Innovation Space an enormous sense of pride and achievement.
“This centre is more than just flexible office and workshop space. It is a place with both a rich heritage and brand new facilities that have been purposely and thoughtfully constructed to provide young companies with a place to grow and feel supported and part of a community.
“Now that the centre has officially launched, our newly appointed team can get to work offering business support services and holding events that will help our tenants to grow, learn, make new connections and thrive.”