Construction begins on £5.4m business incubation hub

Led by Rotherham Council, and with Esh Construction as the main contractor, Manvers Incubation Hub will provide serviceable office and workshop accommodation designed to help micro or start-up businesses grow.

The facility will feature 20 workshops, 16 office units and 2 laboratories for 38 businesses.

This second phase will build on the success of the nearby Century Business Centre which was constructed in 2000 and has since helped over 300 businesses.

Councillor Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy, said: “Providing high-quality office and workshop accommodation is important for attracting and growing businesses to Rotherham.

“The Century Business Centre site has been an undoubted success over the past couple of decades, so it is exciting to break ground as construction begins on this new business incubation hub at Century Business Park.”

Esh Construction was appointed as design and build contractor after the scheme was procured by YORhub’s YORbuild2 framework and will work with The Harris Partnership and RWO Associates.

Esh’s operations manager, Andrew Schofield, said: “This key facility for local businesses will in turn contribute to a boost in local employment and the economy.

“As a business we are committed to delivering social and economic value in the communities where we operate.

“Throughout this development we will engage with local schools, offer work experience opportunities and support training for apprentices on site.”

The centre will feature a central reception and lettable conference facilities for larger meetings and functions.

Externally, the site will include car parking, cycle storage and electric car charging points. The workshop zone will have its own dedicated service yard for light vehicles such as transit vans and utility vehicles.

The site will be managed by Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) which manages similar facilities across the borough.