Demand prompts proposal for second enterprise centre

Plans have been submitted for a second enterprise centre in Tamworth town centre, which would see the transformation of a former Co-operative Society building.

If approved, the enterprise centre would be created in the mid-19th century section of the former Co-operative Society building in Colehill, converting the shop frontages and upper floors facing Colehill and Church Street.

This is separate to proposals to demolish the large 1960s part of the building facing St Editha’s Square, which is set to make way for a new South Staffordshire College.

Plans for this element of the development are subject to a separate planning application.

The second flexible business hub would be operated by Tamworth Borough Council to complement the over-subscribed Tamworth Enterprise Centre at Philip Dix House in Corporation Street. Its 16 serviced offices have been constantly occupied, with a waiting list, since it was first opened in 2017.

Details in the planning application read: “The design aims to bring out the character of the locally listed building, maintaining its contribution to the town centre conservation area and the historic character of the area, while bringing it back into a viable use for the future as a key facility for the community that supports small businesses and enterprise.”

Most of the work will be internal to provide 10 to 15 hybrid office/business spaces that will operate in a flexible working format.

The plans are due to be decided by the planning committee at a forthcoming meeting, likely to be either in July or August.

This is the latest development in ongoing plans to transform the heart of Tamworth town centre with a £21.6m grant from the Government’s Future High Street Fund. Once combined with funding from other partners, including South Staffordshire College and Tamworth Borough Council, the overall regeneration represents a significant £40m investment in the town.

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