State-of-the-art business centre in Stratford one step closer - The Stratford Observer

State-of-the-art business centre in Stratford one step closer

Stratford Editorial 15th Sep, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

A STATE-OF-THE-ART business centre in Stratford is one step closer.

In summer last year, Stratford District Council secured £450,000 from central government to set up the centre, which is designed to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs and offer support to existing small and micro businesses in the area.

The council also hope the centre will help home-based businesses to make the transition to commercial premises and allow existing businesses to work more closely together while providing a permanent base for conferences and meetings.

The green light was given for refurbishment works to be carried out at the council-owned Progress House building situated off Birmingham Road last month.




And since then, Stratford District Council has chosen contractor Openspace to carry out the renovation works, which will be paid for using some of the £74million cash windfall from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership.

The authority has also opted to team up with local companies Tandem Projects and Square Dot to develop the design of the building, which will be rebranded Venture House when the centre opens.


The council say the interior will be dramatically transformed and help create a centre that will “stimulate innovation, cater for a variety of needs and encourage interaction and collaboration within a new business community.”

The authority is also hoping the building will become a template for additional facilities in the district, which in turn will encourage and support further business growth, innovation, and training.

A spokesman for Square Dot said: “This is not another box office for rent – the council has allowed a design to be developed that will attract developing business to have a place, which is different and that they can make their own.”

And Coun Maurice Howse, district council enterprise spokesman, said: “The district council’s desire to support new business and business growth in our district is seen as a priority.

“As plans for our state-of-the-art business centre gather momentum, we are looking forward to welcoming businesses to this facility, which we hope will provide a centre for inspiration, creativity and excellence.”

The business centre is expected to be up and running by early 2016.

New start-ups and business entrepreneurs can find out more by emailing Nancy Singleton at [email protected] or calling 01789 260803.

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