Ceremony marks milestone for ‘Grow on Space’ project
Added by Love Business East Midlands | 22 January 2019
UPDATED: 22 January 2019
A special ceremony to mark a major milestone during the creation of an innovative new building for growing businesses has taken place.
A number of VIP guests were invited to celebrate the ‘Topping Out’ ceremony at Harborough District Council’s Grow on Space project – due to open at the end of 2019.
‘Topping Out’ is traditionally held during building projects when the last beam, or its equivalent, is placed at the top a structure during its construction.
Leader of Harborough District Council Neil Bannister was invited to tighten a special gold-coloured bolt in the final part of the upper structure of the building, alongside others involved in the project.
Councillor Bannister said:
“I was delighted to be invited to the Topping Out ceremony to celebrate this milestone in the construction of this important investment which, when complete, will enable businesses across the district, and beyond, to expand and prosper.”
The Grow on Space project, set to create around 230 jobs and bring £20million into the local economy in the Harborough district, will see the development of an innovative new commercial building that would provide office space for businesses looking to grow and move into larger accommodation in the district.
The building, being constructed at the Compass Point Business Park in Market Harborough, is being funded by Harborough District Council which is providing up to £3,620,612 the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) which is providing £3,282,500 and the Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP) which is providing £987,833.
Mandip Rai, LLEP Director, said:
“Research carried out by the LLEP tells us there is strong demand for grow-on space for small and medium-sized businesses across Leicestershire. This new facility creates opportunities for businesses moving on from the Innovation Centre and new investment from businesses expanding or moving to the area. The LLEP will continue to support major investment projects that improve infrastructure, develop top grade workspace and create jobs across Leicester and Leicestershire.”
Stuart Kerr, director at Willmott Dixon, the construction company in charge of the build, said:
“We are pleased to be working with Harborough District Council on its Grow on Space project, which is set to give small local businesses the opportunity to thrive by having access to larger office spaces. At Willmott Dixon, we have a purpose beyond profit and that includes being passionate about leaving a lasting positive legacy, something that Grow on Space will provide for many decades to come.”
The building will provide 19,000 square feet of office space, supporting 10 to 15 companies when at full capacity. Office suites, ranging from 1,000-3,000 square feet, will be available.
The Grow on Space follows the success of the Harborough Innovation Centre, which Harborough District Council developed and opened in 2011, to provide office space for start-up and new businesses.
More information at www.harborough.gov.uk/grow-on-space
Picture caption: Cllr Neil Bannister tightening the 'golden bolt' in the final part of the structure
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