A planning application for an Innovation Centre in Workington has been approved by Cumberland Council.

This newly approved facility aims to provide modern office accommodation and meeting spaces for entrepreneurial businesses.

This four-storey structure will complement the Digital Accelerator Hub which opened at Lakes College last summer.

The focus of the Digital Accelerator Hub is to foster skills and employability to fuel a new generation of digital expertise.

Work to aid this multi-million-pound Innovation Centre project began in mid-July, with construction due to commence this autumn.

The centre is set to open in early 2026.

Morgan Sindall Construction was the main contractor of the project, and Buttress Architects helped with the planning application process.

The chosen spot for this Innovation Centre is the Central car park in Workington town centre.

The centre will be primarily geared towards digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses, particularly aiming to attract start-ups and small establishments eyeing growth.

Expert assistance will be available at the centre for these businesses.

The building is also designed to be energy-efficient.

It is set to be clad in metal panels and will incorporate windows to ensure an inflow of natural light without losing energy efficiency.

The plan also includes the installation of air-source heat pumps and solar panels on the roof to cater to the building's electricity needs.

The interior layout of the building will be flexible to meet the varying needs of its tenants.

It will feature both private and casual meeting rooms, conference spaces, and catering facilities for events.

With an emphasis on sustainable practices, they are encouraging business owners and employees to make use of greener transportation methods.

As such, secure cycle storage, as well as shower facilities, are in the plan.

This project is part of the Workington Town Deal.

The deal involves £23.1 million of government funding being provided to finance projects such as improvements to Workington Port, a new sports village, and public realm enhancements.

Oxford Innovation Space, which manages various facilities UK-wide in collaboration with local authorities, universities, science parks and investors, is the top choice to operate this new centre.

In addition to this, a £19 million Community Diagnostic Centre proposed by the NHS, offering services such as MRI, CT and ultrasound scans, is to be built on neighbouring land.

Reflecting on this development, the leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said: "The Innovation Centre will give a huge boost to Cumbria’s business community.

"As a council, we want to attract and retain the very best quality businesses and improve the entrepreneurial opportunities we know already exist here."

John Coughlan, the chairman of the Workington Town Deal Board, said: "We know there is a lack of accommodation for those companies which are just starting out, or who want to kick start their growth in west Cumbria, and grade-A office space is virtually non-existent.

"The Innovation Centre will provide the foundations for new brilliance in Cumberland, and the facilities to make it happen."