Developing new workspaces

Regenerating spaces to support economic growth

Community Led Local Development (CLLD) is seeking to support projects in the Coast to Coast area of Cornwall, that will offer new, and existing, businesses much needed flexible working spaces.

“This spring we’re looking for projects that will develop or refurbish new workspace here in Coast to Coast,” explained programme coordinator Nolwenn Baot.

“Spaces that would make an ideal hot-desking facility or a small industrial unit that might provide space for local businesses.”

Research has suggested that there is ongoing demand for communal co-working facilities, fuelled by the prevalence of entrepreneurs in the region.

Baot added: “There are benefits from such facilities, for example increased productivity over homeworking, the ability to exchange ideas, network, gain business referrals, and of course minimise overheads.”

Projects that will restore natural/heritage buildings and offer them an economically viable future are also sought. These might take the form of a community or historic building that could be given a new lease of life as an innovative workspace.

CLLD supports businesses and people to gain funding via The European Development fund and C&IoS Growth Programme. This funding makes a difference to communities, helping individuals gain confidence and skills, and enabling local businesses to grow.

“What will really excite us are projects that, with a little bit of investment, will create new economic assets in this area,” said Baot.

Submissions will need to meet a series of criteria and help deliver outputs; details of these can be found here.

For an informal discussion with Nolwenn Baot, contact: nolwenn.baot@cornwalldevelopmentcompany.co.uk