Leigh Works co-working space on course for completion in summer

Set up by a bunch of local creatives in 2019, Leigh Works is a modern office that offers collaborative desk space, high-tech software and studios, and workshops for local firms and start-ups.

The Bold Street hub already caters for dozens of members, but as demand has grown for more flexible, convenient, and creative space in the town centre, the group will soon move into a newly refurbished space above Iceland on Bradshawgate.

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A huge effort has gone into the refurbishment project (Image: Leigh Works)
With the £260k project starting last summer, the co-working space is set to be unveiled in July and will provide modern high-spec offices and workshops for 100 people or more.

The new space will feature 13 private offices, shared space with over 60 desks, conference rooms, a podcast studio, electronics lab, workshop, dark room and access to £100,000s worth of equipment such as 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, lab equipment and audio/video production equipment.

The project has used local businesses to complete the refurb (Image: Leigh Works)
Steven Tomlinson, co-founder of Leigh Works, said: "We're really excited to be bringing something a bit special to our hometown and we have high hopes this will start to raise the bar for Leigh.

"We're already aware of several food and drink venues opening in the town centre this year, as well as around £33million funding earmarked to be spent on Leigh by the council in the coming few years.”

The co-working space is scheduled to open in July (Image: Leigh Works)
Funded by GMCVO and commissioned with Leigh-based builders QHI, the high-quality co-working space also features the latest in smart building and green technology, allowing for automated 24/7 access and a minimal carbon footprint.

The affordable, flexible space aims to retain and nurture home-grown talent in Leigh, and will build on the work the collective has already been doing such as collaborations and work experience projects with schools and colleges.

The project will expand from the collective's current co-working space on Bold Street (Image: Leigh Works)
Steven added: "It's always been our plan to spend locally whenever we can and we've been really impressed with the high standards, rapid progress and professionalism of QHI, it was a great decision getting them involved."

“At times it's been a real battle to get this project off the ground but we've had a lot of support from other local businesses who share our ambition of raising aspirations in Leigh.

"ASK Platt Office Supplies and Palatine Paints have really helped with the project, and we're in talks with Welch Mill Carpets and Ansel Lighting. The team at GMCVO have been amazing and we couldn't have done it without them.”