Ceremony marks milestone for ‘Grow on Space’ project

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.” 

VIDEO: View a video of the Topping Out ceremony here

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

Pictured below: Cllr Neil Bannister tightening the 'golden bolt' in the final part of the structure

 

Notes to Editors

European Regional Development Fund

The project is receiving £3,282,500 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020.  The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (and in London the intermediate body Greater London Authority) is the Managing Authority for European Regional Development Fund. Established by the European Union, the European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regenerations.  For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding

 

The Leicester and Leicestershire Enterprise Partnership (LLEP)

The LLEP is a strategic body led by a Board made up of local government and business leaders as well as senior education and third sector representatives.

The LLEP’s remit is to drive forward regeneration and growth of the local economy, by:

• Working with Government to set out key investment priorities for Leicester & Leicestershire
• Engaging with business, local authorities, Higher Education, Further Education, the voluntary sector and other stakeholders
• Facilitating local partnership working and relations with national Government
• Influencing national Government economic policy and spending
• Investing LLEP funding and aligning partner resources
• Through its investments, influence and activities ensure positive outcomes for the local economy

How the completed building will look (artist's impression)