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Plans to boost business growth with new 'work hub'

Grainge Architects Concept design of the work hub at the Market Centre, Tiverton, showing some individual desks, plus a coffee table surrounded by a sofa and chairsGrainge Architects
Designs for the planned hub show individual desks and meeting areas

Plans have been revealed to transform a former Devon youth centre and community space into a work hub, a council says.

Mid Devon District Council said the Market Centre in Tiverton would be an ideal location for such a facility, which would provide flexible office space.

The council said it had identified a "strong demand" for a work hub, particularly from self-employed homeworkers and employees of larger organisations who often worked remotely

It added that small local start-up businesses and people visiting and holidaying in the area that required reliable Wi-fi would also benefit.

Grainge Architects Concept design of the work hub at the Market Centre, Tiverton. It is a single-storey brick building with glass doors, plus a pergola with benches and seatsGrainge Architects
The council said the hub would seek to encourage increased levels of business start-up and entrepreneurship

Two events were being held at the centre building's car park on Thursday and Friday to discuss the proposals and answer questions, the council said.

Cabinet member for planning and economic regeneration Stephen Keable explained the plan would provide the opportunity to "support business growth as well as enhance the footfall and vibrancy of the town centre".

"Co-working space provides small businesses the ability to come together and collaborate, avoiding the isolation that often exists when working from home and the difficulty of separating home and work life," Cllr Keable added.

A consultation process was under way until 5 August, the council said, and consultation boards were also on display at the events, as well as on the council's website.

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