Morgan Sindall has begun construction of an innovation centre in Workington, Cumbria.
The new hub will provide purpose-built space for start-ups and small businesses, as well as modern offices in the town, with Morgan Sindall Construction appointed as main contractor.
The Innovation Centre, located on the former central car park in the town centre, will be primarily aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses, with support available from operating company Oxford Innovation Space.
First phase works include site clearance and removal of rubble and slag-material, with the groundworks expected to be completed early next year.
Morgan Sindall will also improve Hadrian’s Cycleway that runs through Workington and promote training in social value and carbon literacy to tenants of the centre.
Other social value efforts include work with the Cumbria Youth Alliance and Cumberland Council’s Employability Partnership.
The Innovation Centre is funded by the Workington Town Deal, £23.1 million of Government funding for a range of local projects.
Alex Isted, area director for Morgan Sindall in the North East and Cumbria, said: “To support the transformation of our economy, we must also support the creation of Innovation Centre hubs to foster organic economic development.
“These centres create an environment of creativity and stimulate a cooperative dynamic between budding businesses, which we are happy to facilitate through the application of our expertise.”
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