Leigh Works set to expand creative co-working space on Bradshawgate

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.

As demand has grown for flexible, convenient, and creative workspaces, the Bold Street hub, located just down the road from Bradshawgate, now caters for dozens of members.

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One business' space inside the Bold Street hub (Image: Leigh Works)

In what has been described as a "turning point" for the town centre, those involved at Leigh Works have secured investment which will allow them to move to a much larger premises on Bradshawgate, and deliver a much larger programme of services.

Planning to launch from a renovated space above Iceland early next year, the venue will offer state-of-the-art technology, high-speed internet, meeting rooms, workshops, labs and AV studios, all in a comfortable, collaborative, and supportive environment.

With funding from the Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation's (GMVCO) social investment programme 'Proper Good Investment', as well as private investment, the expansion will also enable the team to expand from around 30 to 100 members.

Steven Tomlinson (right) with members at the Hub (Image: Leigh Works)

Steven Tomlinson, Co-Founder of Leigh Works, said: “We are delighted and grateful for the opportunity Proper Good Investment has given us to expand our offer of coworking space.

“This expansion marks a turning point for Leigh Works as we have grown from a collaboration of entrepreneurs, into a social enterprise with a mission to inspire the next generation of designers, engineers and creatives.

"The new Creative Hub will provide a unique and dynamic environment for creatives, entrepreneurs and growing businesses. We can’t wait to welcome new businesses and opportunities to our town."

There are also partnerships with local schools and colleges (Image: Leigh Works)

Aiming to continue their positive impact in the community, the team at Leigh Works pride themselves on offering affordable workspace that offers services to a wide range of professionals, while bringing more footfall to businesses in the town centre.

They have also struck partnerships with local schools and colleges to provide apprenticeships and training courses and showcase the opportunities available in creative fields.

Les Thomas, Chairman of Leigh Means Business (Image: Leigh Works)

Since growing as a social enterprise, Leigh Means Business, a collaboration of local residents and business owners, have now become the oversight board of Leigh Works; reflecting each organisation's commitment to supporting local economic growth and social impact.

Les Thomas, Chairman of Leigh Means Business, said: "It has been a pleasure to work in an advisory capacity to bring a large co-working facility to our town. With 100+ workers on Bradshawgate it will provide significant footfall to the merchants trading on the high street.

"In addition, the emphasis will be on using local contractors to deliver the refurbishment and supply the new equipment. Hopefully the first of many new initiatives we are working on to give our town a future.”

The team at the GMCVO (Image: GMCVO)

Cat Chrimes, Head of Investments at the GMCVO Investment Team, added: "We are delighted to have made this investment to support the development of a creative hub in Leigh’s town centre.

"Our aim in providing social investment is to strengthen communities and enhance culture by supporting organisations to deliver their work and social mission, so we’re thrilled we’re able to support Leigh Works in this way."

For more information about Leigh Works, you can find the website here.