Planning permission has been granted to Tamworth Borough Council to develop a second enterprise hub in the mid-19th century section of the former Co-operative Society building in Colehill. This development, being delivered by Cadence Projects, Purcell and McBain is part of Tamworth Borough Council’s plans to transform the heart of Tamworth town centre. The new Enterprise Centre will complement the existing well-used and over-subscribed Tamworth Enterprise Centre at Philip Dix House in Corporation Street.

This redevelopment will provide affordable serviced offices, collaboration space, hot desks and meeting rooms in the heart of Tamworth town centre in the existing shop frontages and upper floors facing Colehill and Church Street of the former Co-operative Society building.

The new facility will have a variety of offices, including larger spaces for businesses to grow into, as well as offices suitable for start-ups.

The plans were submitted by external planning consultants and any changes proposed are designed to retain, enhance and celebrate the building’s Victorian features.

Most of the work proposed is internal and does not require planning permission but there are some minor external alterations needed to improve the appearance and functionality of the building.

Mike Lally Director Cadence Projects and Programme Manager of the Future High Street Fund said “Obtaining planning consent on this project is a major milestone for the Transforming Tamworth programme. We look forward to moving into the procurement stage to find a contracting partner to deliver the works, to uncover the buildings original architectural detailing and to bring this fantastic Victorian building back into active usage.”

Cllr Jeremy Oates, Leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “This development is part of our ongoing plans to transform the heart of Tamworth town centre, thanks to overall regeneration investment of a significant £40m in the town, which includes £21.6m grant from the Government High Streets Fund.

“Converting the mid-19th Century part of the former co-op means we can preserve and enhance this beautiful historic building. Our design aims to bring out the character of the locally listed building, while bringing it back into a viable use for the future as a key facility for the community, supporting small businesses and enterprise.”