Work is now complete on a brand-new business incubation hub called ‘Century 2’ in Rotherham. The site will provide micro or start-up businesses with high-quality, serviceable office and workshop accommodation.
Working in partnership with Rotherham Council, Esh Construction delivered the new hub, which features 20 workshops, 16 office units and two laboratories.
Esh Construction was appointed as the design and build contractor after the scheme was procured via YORhub’s YORbuild2 framework and worked in partnership with The Harris Partnership and RWO Associates.
Century 2 features a central reception and lettable conference facilities for large meetings and functions. Externally, the site includes car parking, cycle storage and electric car charging points.
A fabric first approach has been taken towards creating a more sustainable building and renewable heating is incorporated within the office spaces via air source heat pumps.
Andrew Schofield, operations manager at Esh Construction, said: “This development will provide an important facility for local businesses to operate and grow from therefore we are pleased to celebrate the official opening.
“Throughout our time on site we delivered a number of social value initiatives within the local community, including careers and employability workshops for young people in nearby schools and colleges, site visits for college students, and apprentice training on site. We collaborated with the Better Learners Better Workers programme and RNN Group’s Dearne Valley College to deliver tailored, meaningful engagement within the area.”
Cabinet Member for Jobs and the Local Economy at Rotherham Council, Councillor Denise Lelliott, said: “Our investment will create more better paid jobs and increase spending in the local economy as a result. We’re building on the existing success story at Manvers by creating a new vibrant workspace where more entrepreneurs and small businesses can get the support they need to grow. These are exciting times for small businesses who can tap into the specialist expertise offered by Rotherham Council.”
One of the first businesses to move into Century 2 is SANS Travel. The independent travel agents moved from working at their homes to Century 2 last month. Sarah Rimmington, director of SANS Travel, said: “Business is absolutely booming. This place is cost effective and provides us with an excellent working environment. We’ve never looked back since moving in – it’s perfect.
“It’s a new building with great facilities, easy to get to and has secure parking. The facilities are fantastic too. There’s a Board Room if we need it, and a shower room if we want to bike or run to work.”
This development will provide an important facility for local businesses to operate and grow from therefore we are pleased to celebrate the official opening. Throughout our time on site we delivered a number of social value initiatives within the local community, including careers and employability workshops for young people in nearby schools and colleges, site visits for college students, and apprentice training on site. We collaborated with the Better Learners Better Workers programme and RNN Group’s Dearne Valley College to deliver tailored, meaningful engagement within the area.”
