Co-working community project gets green light

News
08/12/2017

Local creative services expert, Hamish Gill, director of Worcester-based F8 Creates creative services agency, has announced that renovation work will shortly begin on a new purpose-built co-working initiative in Copenhagen Street in the heart of Worcester city centre.


Known as The Kiln, the business community initiative has been awarded £255,000 funding from Worcester City Council and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), towards transforming the existing building into the co-working space, which is aimed at embracing the region's talent for creativity and technological innovation.


The Kiln will be housed in the oldest of the two former police stations in Copenhagen Street, and will comprise a blend of open-plan office space, break-out areas and some enclosed office areas.


While the build is underway, WINN (the Worcestershire County Council and Worcestershire LEP innovation programme) is supporting the creation of The Kiln co-working group at The Hive, Worcester which launches this Friday (November 24). Based in the Glass Room on level 0, the open-access group will run every Friday and is intended to act as a magnet drawing creative and innovative players together.


Gill said it felt incredibly exciting to finally be seeing his team's vision become reality.


"Alongside our day-to-day work, our vision has always been to create a vibrant co-working community in Worcester for tech entrepreneurs and start-ups and those with creative skills to work together.

"Since we first launched the project just over two years ago, we have gained support and interest from the local tech and creative industries as well as crucial support and funding from Worcester City Council and LEP.

"We asked businesses and individuals what they wanted, and they said - desks, good wifi and good coffee - so we have planned this co-working space to meet the needs of the people who will be using it.

"The Kiln understands the kind of culture that start-ups and creatives need: flexible workspace, industry introductions, events, and a supportive community of like-minded people with plenty of opportunities to collaborate," said Gill.


News of the go-ahead for The Kiln has been welcomed by Councillor Geoff Williams, Vice Chair of Worcester City Councils' Place and Economic Development Sub-Committee.


"Worcester City Council has been working hard for many months to make The Kiln a reality and when our premises in Copenhagen Street became vacant, we decided it would be ideal for this project. The Kiln very much fits in with our City Plan objectives of ensuring Worcester is a prosperous city with stronger and connected communities.

"There will be a lot of work over the coming months to transform our building into the new Kiln co-working space, which we hope will be open early next Summer," said Cllr Williams.


Gary Woodman, Chief Executive of Worcester Local Enterprise Partnership, said:


"We are delighted to be able to invest in The Kiln as a new and exciting location for digital and creative companies. The space will bring together a range of entrepreneurs, freelancers and tech-minded experts - enabling collaboration and sharing of ideas, and acting as a seedbed for new and emerging businesses.

"By investing in our local business infrastructure and resources, we are helping Worcestershire to grow, attract and retain companies that can push the county to the forefront of digital innovation. Projects such as The Kiln, will only help to strengthen the county's reputation as a UK tech hotspot."


Worcester-based artist and brand guru Rob Draper, is a supporter of The Kiln project. He plans to join the Friday co-working group at The Hive and hopes to use the co-working space when it opens.


"Just over two years ago I found myself with a business and no office. And it was hard. Getting a business off the ground is one thing, the distraction of at times finding somewhere to work can be equally tough. I learnt so much in this period and wonder how many people, faced with these issues have to admit defeat, put that dream on hold and get back into working for somebody else.

"And that, in short is the importance of a co-working space, somewhere to build dreams and be surrounded by like-minded people. It's been really humbling to have been asked to be on the journey of The Kiln and this co-working space project happening and on the first day I'll be straight in there, looking for the coffee and the WiFi code...."


Jessica Antley, senior project manager at WINN, pointed out that new patterns of working and a growth of freelance-based or remote working roles is driving the demand for accessible co-working space.


"The digital sector is taking off in Worcester, and there is a drive and commitment to create a business environment that supports digital innovation in the county's key areas of excellence.

"WINN supports innovation within business across all sectors - most notably digital innovation. Kiln members will benefit from the flexibility and freedom to build their businesses and develop their products how and when they want, with the consistent support of a community of like-minded people," she said.


Councillor Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council cabinet member with responsibility for economy and infrastructure, said The Kiln represents a key part in the plans for innovation-based growth.


"We are keen to support existing SMEs and emerging new companies in Worcester, as they hold the potential for much of the city's future enterprise, innovation and economic growth.

"Whether it's helping founders getting started or helping more established businesses grow, we recognise that the Kiln will provide an inspirational practical working space for individuals and help tackle the shortage of affordable creative workspaces," he said.