Small business hub enters second stage of development

Following a hugely successful launch earlier this year, Pollard Yard, the Ancoats-based creative hub for small and independent businesses, has announced plans to triple in size.

The site offers affordable workspaces for makers and local entrepreneurs in old shipping containers.

Bristol-based property management firm behind Pollard Yard, Meanwhile Creative, said it has been extremely pleased with the interest shown in the small-business hub, with more than 600 enquiries made into the ready-to-work shipping containers since initial plans for the development were announced in October last year.

Offering flexible monthly rolling contracts, without the usual bricks and mortar costs or lengthy contracts, Pollard Yard has proved to be hugely popular with micro-enterprise and creative freelancers looking to be part of a supportive, grassroots, creative community in the heart of Manchester.

With the first 40 units filled within just a few weeks of opening, the container village is quickly growing to become the only project of its size in the UK.

Will Gomm, Pollard Yard’s creative site manager who oversees lettings, said: “We are growing a great community full of friendly individuals at Pollard Yard. I have never met so many creative and entrepreneurial people all in one space.

“From graphic designers and video producers to music teachers, recording artists and even tattooers, it’s amazing to have so many people from all walks of life in one space sharing their experiences with each other.

“I think part of the appeal is the freedom to do what you want with your space, people are able to decorate to their personal spec. Each space is unique. ”

Now with the initial launch phase fully let, and planning permission granted, phase two will allow at least 65 more creative Manchester businesses to create their new home at Pollard Yard, this time, with high speed fibre internet (20MB, 50MB or 100MB) available.

Graphic designer and founder of GEM Design Studio, Gemma Thirsk, was one of the first movers at Pollard Yard and says the move has completely changed her working life: “As an independent creative, the atmosphere is just right for inspiration and collaboration and I can’t wait for the next round of business owners to move in and grow our community further.”

The £1m investment into the project is a significant investment into Ancoats, one of The Times’ ‘20 coolest places to live’ and Pollard Yard is fast becoming a melting pot for Ancoats’ emerging cultural and creative community.

As part of their wider plans, Meanwhile Creative is actively looking to expand the remit of the workspaces to create a destination where individuals and organisations can run regular events, pop-ups and makers markets on site.

Alice Palmer Brown, head of marketing for Meanwhile Creative, said: “The response in Manchester, specifically Ancoats, has been overwhelming and we’ve felt very welcomed into the community.

“It’s wonderful to see the creative community that affordable, flexible workspace like Pollard Yard, fosters.”

Phase Two is set to launch on October 1.