Work to transform land into a new state-of-the-art workspace has reached a memorable milestone.
Construction of land that will see a vibrant business community created at the gateway of Southwold has now reached the halfway point.
The project to convert redundant space on the corner of Station Road and Blyth Road into The Hub - a shared business community development for the town - is progressing well.
Construction of the state-of-the-art work and meeting space - which is designed to encourage new business into Southwold and increase footfall - started in November, with the external fabric of the building now largely in place and work on the roof progressing rapidly.
It will be run by business support and training provider MENTA, under its @Inc umbrella, and will be the third facility across Suffolk using the model.
Once it opens, The Hub will offer 24/7 access and co-working opportunities for new, emerging and existing businesses and freelancers, who need it for hot-desking purposes, a regular space, or just an alternative to home working.
@Inc Suffolk will also provide the offer of professional support and training, help with grant applications and funding, networking opportunities, meeting rooms for teams to work and collaborate, and super-fast broadband.
The project has been spearheaded by Southwold Town Council, partner East Suffolk Council and grants from The Coastal Communities Fund and Suffolk Growth.
Ipswich company Mixbrow Construction was awarded the building contract, with the facility due to open early next year.
Suzanne Banks, MENTA and @incSuffolk Property Manager, said: "In some cases, it’s giving businesses the space to grow, in others it might be that a new business needs support with accessing grants or funding, others may want a chance to network.
"It’s very fluid."
The project is part of a wider regeneration plan for Southwold to encourage more affordable workspace and housing across the town.
Simon Flunder, mayor of Southwold, said: "The Hub is designed to be fully inclusive.
"It will support our existing businesses and residents with various opportunities, but we also look forward to welcoming new people into Southwold."
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