A brand new £14 million hub supporting start-up businesses in creative industries has opened its doors in Northampton.
Vulcan Works provides lettable office space, workshops, meeting rooms and co-working spaces for business owners from its newly revitalised space in the heart of Northampton’s Cultural Quarter.
The transformation of the Grade II listed former ironworks factory has been months in the making and the extensive construction works have created an impressive, state-of-the-art centre for local businesses to thrive, while being true to the building’s heritage.
The refurbishment works have been funded by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) and South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), who facilitated a Local Growth Fund contribution of £6.3 million, together with £3.06 million from the European Regional Development Fund.
The hub, which is managed by Oxford Innovation Space, has already created quite a buzz, with plenty of interest from prospective tenants and businesses booking to use the space.
Centre manager Garrick Hurter said: “We have been busy preparing the centre ready for everyone to see, getting signage approved and making sure all the infrastructure is raring to go. Now we are proud to open our doors and welcome the business community, who I know will be wowed by the incredible facilities on offer.
“Our thriving creative community begins today, and I am excited to welcome you all. Whether you’re a start-up or want to scale up, we want to hear from you. Get in touch and make use of this extraordinary space.”
It is estimated that Vulcan Works will support around 150 start-up businesses in its first 10 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.
“Vulcan Works has been a hugely exciting project to be involved with and I am delighted with how the space looks and feels. I am immensely proud that Northampton now boasts such an innovative and inspirational hub for fledgling creative start-ups, giving them the tailored support they need to flourish. I look forward to seeing the countless success stories that will, no doubt, come from this fantastic venture,” said Cllr Daniel Lister, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Town Centre Regeneration and Growth.
