KUSBP announces contractor for new enterprise centre
28.10.2011
KUSBP announces contractor for new
enterprisecentre
Plans for a new office development specifically aimed at budding
entrepreneurs and start ups have moved forward with the appointment
of Croftshine as building contractor.
Keele University Science and Business Park (KUSBP) has selected
the Newcastle-based company to refurbish a former farmhouse into
1,500 sq ft of office accommodation. To be called the Nova Centre,
the site will be targeted at businesses that have been trading for
12 months or less and are looking for support to help them
grow.
Caroline Mairs, head of KUSBP said: "We chose Croftshine as it
has a very flexible approach and an excellent reputation locally.
We hope that the development will be open by January next year and
have already had some interest from graduates and entrepreneurs
looking to expand their business and move into an office."
Newcastle-based architects Ellis Hillman will be working with
Croftshine. Speaking about the project, Rob Mellor from Ellis
Hillman added: "The building will be sympathetically restored to
reflect the surrounding architecture and retain the farmhouse's
original features such as the external decorative stonework and
timber windows. Inside there will be eight contemporary office
suites which will be refurbished to the highest standard including
modern furniture."
Companies that move into the Nova Centre will join KUSBP's
two-year business growth programme, which includes tailored advice
on managing and financing expansion, strategy and effective
leadership. The start ups will also be offered networking,
investment, marketing and sales opportunities as well as access to
all of the amenities on the Keele University campus such as
restaurants and sports facilities. The contemporary office
accommodation will be charged at a minimal starting rent.
Work is due to start on 3rd October 2011 and is
expected to take 18 weeks