A CO-WORKING space created to provide support to small businesses and new start-ups in Malvern is to be expanded.
The news on BLOOM.SPACE comes as Malvern Hills District Council confirmed its long-term commitment to the project which has proved extremely popular with firms across the area and people unable to work from home.
Despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 30 people are currently using BLOOM.SPACE which provides hot desks, fixed desks, meeting rooms and private office space to businesses, along with high-speed Wi-Fi, free printing, tea and coffee.
The centre also provides meet-up events and access to investors with support services including mentoring.
The company first leased the ground floor of The Grange in Malvern from the council for a two-year period back in 2018.
A ten-year lease was agreed in January 2020 to allow BLOOM.SPACE to expand by transforming the first floor to provide additional private office and meeting space, together with the ability to host events, workshops and training courses as well as provide some rooms for artists and increase the number of hot desks.
These plans were delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic but have allowed the company to explore further opportunities to enhance the environmental properties of the building by installing a more energy efficient boiler and lighting, as well as additional fire safety measures.
To access grants and funding for the work, a 25-year lease was needed which was granted by the council’s Executive Committee at a meeting on Tuesday.
Coun Sarah Rouse, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I’m delighted we’ve been able to support BLOOM.SPACE with its expansion plans and secure a long-term use for this historic asset in a key town centre location.”
Jack Wratten, founder and CEO of BLOOM.SPACE, said: “In the last two years we’ve seen several start-ups we’re supporting grow from a very early-stage to raise investment and employ multiple people, creating high-value jobs in the town.
“We’ve provided cost-effective coworking space and mentoring to lots of individuals and small companies, and now we have more room we’ll be able to increase what we have on offer.”
