HRH The Duke of Gloucester officially opened Tameside College’s new enterprise and business incubation centre today at Ask Developments’ St Petersfield scheme in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The new facility provides the College with an enterprise and incubation centre which will support budding entrepreneurs in the Tameside area. The philosophy is to provide a hub where business people can develop their ideas and connect with each other.
The launch of the Tameside Centre for Enterprise signals the College’s intent create a new generation of entrepreneurs, who will create their own businesses and local job opportunities.
The 10,000 sq ft innovation and incubation centre completes the circus area of the St Petersfield masterplan. Designed by Aedas Architects and built by Create Construction, the building covers three floors and provides an enterprise laboratory, incubation space and a café with an outdoor seating area. The café will be open to local businesses and the general public as well as staff and clients.
Work began on site in February and completed in September 2011.
Distinguished guests also present at the event included Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr Warren Smith J.P, The Civic Mayor of Tameside Cllr, Susan Quinn, Executive Council Leader, Cllr Kieran Quinn, and Chief Executive of the Council, Mr Steven Pleasant.
Peter Ryder, Principal at Tameside College, said, “We’re honoured that HRH, Duke of Gloucester took the time to be with us today and performed the opening ceremony at St Petersfield. The centre will provide a unique range of opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs and local businesses. Many people dream of starting their own business, but they struggle to get their ideas off the ground and don’t always know who they can turn to for support. This new centre will provide a focal point for new business start-ups and be the hub for businesses in Tameside”.
John Hughes, Director at Ask Developments, said; “Tameside College’s innovation and incubation centre is a valuable addition to St Petersfield. In difficult economic conditions, it provides budding entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to take the next step with their business. It also ensures that new and existing companies are retained within Tameside rather than choosing to relocate elsewhere.”
Paul Mathison, Managing Director of Create Construction, said; “We are delighted to have been involved in such a worthwhile project. We have produced an innovative and contemporary building that we hope will be the birthplace for many promising entrepreneurs in the future and we wish the college every success in their new surroundings.”
The scheme is being delivered through a public/private sector partnership, with £14.5m of Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), HCA and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money already committed to the 5.2-hectare (13-acre) site.