The doors to Dock 3–5 in Space City have officially opened, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony performed by Leicester City Mayor, Sir Peter Soulsby, on October 2.
The premium managed workspace stakes its ground in the Space City Enterprise Zone and is proud to foster Leicester’s low-carbon hub for high-tech, knowledge-based industries and innovative businesses.
The hub will support enterprises and enable job creation, promoting the development of a thriving community of cutting-edge companies in Leicester. Inaugural tenants include Kazzoo IT Solutions, Somerbys IT, IN Focus ITS, Employee Zero, World Products, Translatr, Impact Venture, and The VoIP Shop.
Applications are open to other companies associated with the downstream space sector, high tech, sustainability and innovation, or supporting companies.
City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby delivered a speech, welcoming new tenants and congratulating the project team. He commended the hub’s potential to drive economic growth and innovation in the region.
Dock 3 – 5 has been designed sympathetically and with sustainability at their foundation. The buildings are net carbon zero, no oil and gas is used on site, and all heating is powered by electricity only. A sustainable drainage system and ecological considerations such as bird boxes, retention of established trees, and reduced external lighting to minimise disruption to local wildlife like bats, were key considerations in the design.
The design also maximises flexibility of accommodation with the office buildings, which speaks to its forward-thinking ethos. They are designed to operate independently whilst still ensuring that occupiers feel integrated into the overall building.
Offices in Dock 3 and Dock 4 can be combined, providing scalability for businesses to expand as they grow and need more space. When these buildings are fully occupied there will be over 120 businesses with more than 600 employees working in these five Dock buildings.
The Dock 3-5 expansion follows a cohesive campus-style design, visually in line with the adjacent Dock 1 and Dock 2 units. The project reflects a consistent approach to sustainability, aligning with Leicester City Council’s commitment to achieving net carbon zero goals.
The development is part of the Council’s efforts to regenerate the area. It attracted significant investment from the Levelling Up Fund to deliver Dock 3, 4 and 5. Leicester-based firm Brackley Property Developments served as the development partner, with construction carried out by county-based Wilten Construction Ltd.
Sir Peter Soulsby, Leicester City Mayor, said: “The Dock expansion marks an exciting milestone in Leicester’s sustainable economic development. We’re not just supporting local businesses and job creation; we’re also paving the way for long-term regeneration in Leicester.
“This project is a testament to the council’s proactivity in fostering innovation, sustainability, and growth within – and most importantly for – our community. I’m excited to see the impact it will have on the region.”
Crystal Carter, workspace development manager at Dock, adds: “After months of hard work, we’re so pleased to see this ribbon finally cut and the doors officially open. Dock 3–5 represents the future of managed workspaces, where innovative businesses can grow while contributing to Leicester’s drive toward net zero and a more sustainable future.
“Both economically and environmentally. We’re excited to welcome a new set of companies to this vibrant community, which is a testament to the success of what we’ve built with Dock 1-2. Please speak to us if you want to join the community.”
