Bolton Council has marked the successful completion of another town centre regeneration project, as The Wellsprings opened its doors to the business community.
Work to transform the office building into a modern innovation hub for new start-ups has now reached practical completion.
The refurbishment began in July last year, backed by £6.9m from the Towns Fund and a further £1.4m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The work was carried out to the highest sustainability standards by Robertson Construction North West, supported by the council’s strategic partner Clear Futures.
Entrepreneurs and business start-ups from the creative and technology sectors are now invited to apply for office spaces at The Wellsprings, which also offers co-working space and meeting rooms, call pods, bike storage and kitchen facilities.
The centre will provide coaching and support to businesses who use the space, alongside a calendar of networking events and workshops for the centre’s community.
Today (September 24) the building hosted the first of many networking events with a business breakfast focused on the ongoing regeneration of Bolton town centre.
Guests heard how The Wellsprings is just the latest redevelopment project to be successfully delivered by Bolton Council and its partners.
A fully renovated Central Library, the brand-new Bolton Market Food Hall and Elizabeth Park have all opened to the public in recent months.
The nearby residential developments of Moor Lane and Deansgate Gardens are nearing completion and will provide much-needed homes in vibrant new urban neighbourhoods.
Bolton Council Leader, Cllr Nick Peel, said:
“The completed renovation of The Wellsprings is another major milestone as momentum continues to build behind Bolton’s ongoing regeneration.
“Everything about our town centres is changing, from the way we work to the way we shop, but our regeneration masterplan means we are well placed to take advantage of these new opportunities.
“The council’s direct intervention at The Wellsprings has transformed a dated and underused office block into a dynamic new workspace, that will encourage business leaders and entrepreneurs to make their home in Bolton.”
Bolton Council Deputy Leader, Cllr Akhtar Zaman, said: “Bolton has a strong economy particularly in sectors like manufacturing and logistics, with many of the UK’s biggest names based right here.
“But we also want to be a place that attracts new ideas and new businesses, and modern, flexible and high-tech spaces like The Wellsprings will help us do just that.
“This will be a space where start-ups can exchange ideas, build networks, create opportunities, and build on each other’s success.”
The Wellsprings will be managed on behalf of Bolton Council by Oxford Innovation Space, the leading operator of innovation centres across the UK and Ireland.
Its 32 managed centres in the UK, provide flexible, cost-effective office, lab, and workshop solutions for over 1,000 entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses.
Integral to its offer is providing entrepreneurs with business planning advice, coaching, and mentoring.
It also manages investment networks that link investors with entrepreneurs seeking funding from £20,000 to £2m.
Nick Brushett, Centre Manager for The Wellsprings, said: “With its fantastic transport links, blossoming culture, ongoing regeneration and remarkable history, Bolton offers so much to so many.
“Now, with the completion of The Wellsprings, we can offer new business owners the perfect place from which to grow their business, making Bolton the home of their company.
“The Wellsprings has been designed and delivered to offer connectivity, collaboration and a constructive support system to enable businesses to thrive, with on-hand support from our team of experts. The additional support of Oxford Innovation Space, with its expertise in running successful innovation centres across the country, bolsters this offering even more.
“Now, thanks to the unwavering efforts of Robertson Construction and Clear Futures, Bolton has an innovation space to shout about, and we can’t wait to see who comes through our doors.”
Dirk Pittaway, Regional Managing Director, Robertson Construction North West, said:
“It’s a pleasure to continue supporting Bolton Council’s Town Centre Masterplan, making their vision a reality.
“This high-quality regeneration project is a welcome addition to Bolton, providing an inspiring space for innovation and growth that will enhance the town for years to come.
“Throughout construction, we invested locally by creating jobs and engaging a local supply chain. This means that The Wellsprings was delivering socio-economic benefits, even before it opened.”
As a family business with strong roots in the community, Robertson is committed to leaving a positive and lasting legacy.
This included employing 16 local people, hosting students for work experience, and offering traineeships and apprenticeships as well as providing meaningful support and engagement to local charities and community groups.
Keith Edwards, Bolton Partnership Director at Clear Futures, said: “Bolton Council recognises the importance of regenerating and transforming existing spaces to fuel local growth. We’ve seen this first-hand with Central Library, Bolton Markets, Farnworth Leisure Centre and the Jubilee Community Centre, and will now see it with The Wellsprings.
“With the sustainable solutions Clear Futures can offer, we can address local priorities and identify new opportunities to champion real change.”
Business wanting to enquire about office space, meeting rooms or co-working at The Wellsprings can contact enquiries@wellspringsbolton.co.uk or call 07523 803174.