Commercial - New Build
Enterprise Centre East Northants (ECEN)
East Northamptonshire
Delivery of 27,000 sq ft of modern, flexible business space to support local SMEs, start-ups, and the Council’s wider economic strategy.
Client: East Northamptonshire Council
cost
£5.6M
duration
13 Months
Project Management
Cost Management
Employer's Agent
The Opportunity
The ECEN was a priority project that facilitated the delivery of Enterprising East Northants- the Council’s Economic Development, Tourism and Regeneration Strategy. It also supported the strategic economic priorities of the Government’s Industrial Strategy and the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategic Economic Plan. The development comprised a combination of offices in a three-storey building and single-storey studios and workshops, let on flexible arrangements. In total, the project delivered 27,000 sq ft of lettable, modern, managed business space, providing approximately 80 to 90 business units of varying sizes, from 100 sq ft to 450 sq ft.
The Challenges
Delivering a project of this scale was a first for the Council. To achieve their vision, a competent delivery team with managed business space experience was required. TPI provided the necessary support to secure relevant funding and arranged a robust, comprehensive tender process, in line with OJEU rules, to appoint the design team and main contractor. Partway through the project, the COVID-19 pandemic presented unforeseen restrictions, which required careful management and responsive decision-making.
The Outcome
TPI helped secure all necessary funding and ensured the appointment of a capable delivery team to meet the Council’s objectives. Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, the project was successfully completed in June 2020, with all required safety measures implemented. The centre now plays a key role in supporting local businesses and economic development across the district.