New business centre for Stratford-upon-Avon taking shape

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's forward looking vision to help energise the local economy and provide a unique environment for new and fledgling businesses, has taken a gigantic leap from an innovative idea into a reality with the development of the soon to be transformed  Venture House, formerly known as Progress House.

Intended to inspire a new generation of entrepreneur and offer support to existing small & micro enterprises, the building's interior will be dramatically transformed into a centre to stimulate innovation, cater for a variety of needs and encouraging the interaction and collaboration within a new business community.

Venture House will hopefully become the template for additional facilities in the district, in order to encourage and support local business opportunities to take the first and early steps to establishment and growth. 

To deliver this vision, the District Council has teamed up with locally based project managers, Tandem Projects and their team that includes award winning designers Square Dot to develop the design, procurement of the building works and implementation of the works.  Most recently the contractor Openspace has been selected to carry out the requirement building works.

Tandem Projects says:“We are delighted to be involved in this exciting project.  Having worked on similar projects across the UK, it is with great pride we have this opportunity to bring our experience and commitment to help such a valuable centre be developed for businesses here in our own local town of Stratford-upon-Avon.  Through challenging the marketplace and using innovative project strategies, we are pleased to be working alongside the council to deliver a fast paced programme of development."

Square Dot says: 'It is fantastic to be working with a council that has allowed a visionary design be developed that will attract and allow local developing business to have a place that is different and that they can make their own.  This is very much not another box office for rent – it will be a place with life and encourage innovation.  Our creative use of simple, cost effective building materials along with innovative space solutions will result in an inspirational environment that will provide a centre for business incubation, growth, innovation, training, conferencing and meetings."

Openspace Design & Build based in Birmingham who has been appointed to undertake the construction programme says: “Having recently been appointment by the council to create Venture House, we are pleased to be working on such a project and will be working with the professional team closely to make sure the councils aspirations become a reality."

Cllr Maurice Howse, Enterprise, Housing and Revenues Portfolio says: “As plans gather momentum for our new state-of-the-art business centre, we are looking forward to welcoming businesses to this new facility which we hope will provide a centre for inspiration, creativity and excellence, supported by business experts.  Our ambition is testimony to the recognition by Government Ministers of the District Council's desire to support new business and business growth in our district and that this is seen as a priority."

The new business centre will be 'open for business' early in 2016 and new start-ups and business entrepreneurs are invited to find out more about the centre by contacting Nancy Singleton, Business Enterprise & Tourism Manager on 01789 260803 or email: nancy.singleton@stratford-dc.gov.uk

• This new facility has been made possible as part of the £74.1m cash windfall received by Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) from the Government's Local Growth fund to help revitalise local economies.

• The deal for the region is set to create up to 1,000 jobs, allow more than 1,000 homes to be built and generate up to £30 million in public and private investment.

• Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP) has secured a deal with the Government's Local Growth Fund worth £74.1 million to support economic growth.
  
  
• The deal has confirmed £18.2 million of funding for 2015/16 and has made an initial commitment of £55.9 million for 2016 onwards.
  
  
• This substantial investment from the Government will unlock an additional £32.9 million of investment from local partners and £0.4 million from the private sector which taken in the round will create a total investment package of £107.5 million for Coventry and Warwickshire.