Tameside Centre for Enterprise opens
TAMESIDE College’s new enterprise and business incubation centre has opened at Ask Developments’ St Petersfield scheme in Ashton-under-Lyne.
The 10,000 sq ft facility has been officially opened at a ceremony by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
The college said that the launch of the centre signals its intent to create a new generation of entrepreneurs, who will create their own businesses and local job opportunities.
The three-storey building was designed by Aedas Architects and built by Create Construction. It features an enterprise laboratory, incubation space and a café with an outdoor seating area which will be open to local businesses and the general public.
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.”
Peter Ryder, Principal at Tameside College, said: “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 place to do business in Tameside.”
The 13-acre St Petersfield scheme has received £14.5m worth of funding through the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), HCA and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money.
