Office accommodation that offers a flexible way of working for freelancers, remote workers and start-ups is now open for business in Leicester’s former Fenwick store.
The building is a superb example of Leicester’s Victorian architectural heritage, with three of the original units awarded Grade II listed status in October 2017.
Managed by the city council, Gresham Works, as it is now known, provides more than 11,000sqft of office space on the ground floor and basement of the fully refurbished building, featuring a variety of desk and office options that can be hired on flexible terms.
Tenants including a law firm, an app developer and an organic drinks supplier are already working from their new flexible, city centre space.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The redevelopment of the former Fenwick’s store into The Gresham Aparthotel has given a huge boost to the shops and businesses in this area of the city centre.
“Now, in the next stage of its opening, The Gresham will provide a bright, light and contemporary workspace for freelancers, sole traders or start-up businesses – and will give these workers the opportunity to be part of a creative, supportive community in the heart of the city.
“I’m very pleased that the city council was able to support the redevelopment of this iconic building by investing £450,000 into this scheme, and I’m confident that Gresham Works will prove to be just as successful as our existing serviced units in supporting new and small businesses to thrive.”
A wide range of working spaces is on offer, with flexible hot-desking available from as little as £175 per month, plus VAT. Rental fees include high speed broadband, reception services, tenant events and a number of other incentives – including unlimited free coffee!
Grant Carlisle from Atom Engine Limited, which has already moved in to Gresham Works, said: “We were looking for a city centre base that would give us a flexible workspace that would grow with us.
“Gresham Works is perfect for us and our clients. It’s great to be part of a new community and have a base in such contemporary and stylish surroundings.”
Gresham Works’ manager Crystal Carter said: “We have focused on creating an inviting environment and a variety of spaces for people to work in to help them bring the best out of what they do.
“We’ll also cater for a wide range of needs as people change the way that they work. We expect to have tenants who normally work from home, but who want a change a couple of times a week, people who will come in every day to work, and those who believe it’s nice to have a city centre base away from their usual office.
“The beauty of this scheme is its flexibility and we’re looking forward to providing people with the office space, and a flexible contract, that works for them.”
The Market Street premises are the city council’s first dedicated co-working space and will complement its established serviced workspaces at Dock and the LCB Depot.
The Gresham building’s 133-bed aparthotel and its restaurant – Black Iron Social – opened in November 2021, following a £17m refurbishment by developer Aimrok Holdings.
The development was supported by funding from the city council and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP), with the majority of the £17million costs coming from a mixture of development finance and private investment.
