This new facility will provide purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses, as well as bringing new modern office accommodation to Workington, something currently lacking in the town. It will also complement another Workington Town Deal project, the Digital Accelerator Hub, which opened at Lakes College last summer. It is prioritising skills and employability to strengthen a new generation of digital expertise.
Preparatory works that will support the development of a new multi-million project in Workington got underway in mid-July. Construction work is due to start on the Innovation Centre in autumn this year and the building is expected to open in early 2026. Alongside main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction, we supported with the planning application process.
The Innovation Centre will be located on part of the Central Car Park in Workington town centre and will, primarily, be aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. The aim is to attract start-ups who are ripe for incubation, as well as small businesses ready for growth. Expert help will be available to help them achieve their ambitions.
The building’s interior will be flexible so it can be reconfigured to meet the needs of the tenants. There will be both private and informal meeting rooms, conference spaces, and catering facilities for building users and events. Sustainability is key to the project with a number of greener methods of transport encouraged.
The Innovation Centre is part of the Workington Town Deal - £23.1 million of Government funding for a range of transformative projects, which also include a new sports village and improvements to Workington Port, as well as improved public realm.
In relation to expert assistance, the Centre will provide tailored innovation and entrepreneurship support. Oxford Innovation Space has been identified as the preferred operator of the new Workington centre. The organisation manages a number of similar facilities across the UK, working with local authorities, universities, science parks and investors.
The NHS is also building a £19 million Community Diagnostic Centre on neighbouring land, offering MRI, CT and ultrasound scans. This has already been granted planning permission.
Cllr Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council
“The Innovation Centre will give a huge boost to Cumbria’s business community. As a council we want to attract and retain the very best quality businesses and improve the entrepreneurial opportunities we know already exist here.
It is also in an ideal place to increase footfall to the town centre and make use of Workington’s transport links. This is a new and exciting project that is going to benefit the entire Cumberland community.”
Plans submitted for an Innovation Centre in Workington, West Cumbria
Plans have been submitted to Cumberland Council for an Innovation Centre in Workington.