Expansion work at Staffordshire enterprise centre on track for autumn finish

Newcastle Enterprise Centre manager Rob Harper (left) with Stephen Sweeney.

A major expansion at one of the county council’s enterprise centres is progressing well and set to be completed in November.

The £1.6million project at Newcastle Enterprise Centre in Knutton will see six workshop units built. It is estimated that when fully occupied, up to 28 people will be working on site.

The centre was converted from an old school building in the 1980s. Its units are in high demand – especially larger ones which the expansion will provide.

It’s hoped that the new units will be available shortly after completion. The expansion is being mainly funded through a £1.14million central government allocation which has been managed by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, with a further £440,000 investment by Staffordshire County Council.

The new units will vastly improve the centre’s offer, with new units providing high quality workshop space to small businesses in the area. Larger units will attract step-up businesses and give them a base to grow and thrive.

Expansion of the enterprise centre will also support the wider regeneration of Knutton, bringing in new businesses whose employees can support others in the area.

Like all the county council’s enterprise centres across Staffordshire, it offers flexible tenancies on a short-term basis, with an on-site team to provide support and networking opportunities.

Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills Philip White said:

This is a much-needed expansion at Newcastle Enterprise Centre and we know these new high-quality workshop units will be in demand.

Not only will this project add to our range of support for small businesses, it will also be a part of Knutton’s regeneration – both priorities to the county council.

We’re pleased to have worked with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council on this project – delivering for the community.

We’re looking forward to advertising the units as soon as possible and seeing businesses moving in.”

Stephen Sweeney, deputy leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Cabinet member for Finance, Town Centres and Growth, said:

The new units at Newcastle Enterprise Centre will provide excellent facilities for local small and growing businesses in our area – creating jobs and supporting the community.

In recent years this council has won around £55 million of government funding for once-in-a-generation redevelopment in the Borough to help our communities and businesses.

The expansion at Newcastle Enterprise Centre demonstrates our commitment to growing the local economy and regenerating Knutton. We look forward to the project being completed in November.”