Approval set for new ‘hub’ in Holbeach

A new hub for agri-businesses in South Holland is set to move a step closer next week.

Plans for the managed workspace on the Food Enterprise Zone are set to be discussed at a meeting of Lincolnshire County Council’s Environment and Economy Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday.

The report recommends formal approval to build the workspace building, called the Hub, on a council-owned plot of the zone.

“The construction and operation of the Hub building will provide a mixture of small workshop, office and collaboration space designed to encourage and support new and small enterprises in the agri-tech sector,” says a report to go before the committee.

“The building will be strategically important to ensure the future success of the South Lincolnshire Food Enterprise Zone by providing this space and becoming a focal point for all occupiers and visitors,” it continues.

Approval for the zone was granted in 2017 and the provision of service roads and utilities has been done.

The next step is to create the hub to provide business and collaboration space. Completion is expected in March of next year.

The Enterprise Zone will create business growth opportunities within the agri-food sector and its associated supply chain.

“The hub will provide a mix of office and workshop space available to lease on market terms and be operated by the county council. Its operation and the services provided from the building will align with the provision of other support to new businesses the council offers in skills, business growth and innovation,” says the report.

The hub will follow a similar model to successfully managed workspaces including the Eventus Business Centre in Market Deeping.

The £5.17m capital cost of building the hub has been met from a Getting Building Fund grant awarding £6.36m.

The mix of office space and workshops will be let at market rents and there will be a business centre manager.

While land and property values in South Lincolnshire are relatively low, the cost of utility infrastructure and highway improvements can deter private investment.

The council’s ‘pump prime’ will help ensure the long term success of the enterprise zone, says the report.

The impact of the pandemic also has a knock-on effect and the private secttor would be ‘reluctant to bring forward development of the Hub building.’