The iconic Marble Hall, the grade II listed former Rolls Royce building in Derby, is now one of the most popular managed workspace schemes for SMEs and micro businesses in the UK, with occupancy levels now exceeding 93%.
In order to part-fund a £4million refurbishment in 2016, the building was granted £1.5m from the Growing Places capital investment fund, run by D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership, which promotes economic growth and jobs creation across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Growing Places Fund
The Growing Places Fund (GPF) is made up of Government funding which allows D2N2 LEP to invest in kickstarting ‘stalled’ developments and therefore bringing business growth and job creation to the region.
Since its official opening by HRH the Duke of Gloucester in June 2016, the building in Osmaston has grown in popularity, attracting a diverse range of tenants – from new start-ups to established and developing businesses.
Accommodation includes 42 high spec offices, ranging in size from 100 ft2 to 800 ft2, with a stunning penthouse suite which is home to commercial photographers Cactus Images.
This is complemented by Little Angels Day Nursery which caters for 50 two to four-year-olds and ‘Claude’s’, an on-site kitchen and training provision, which is operated by YMCA Derbyshire.
Connect Derby Scheme
The success of Marble Hall can be attributed to its location on the outskirts of the city and the unique package of benefits on offer as part of the Connect Derby scheme. This includes flexible lease terms, superfast broadband, meeting rooms, and a programme of business support.
Connect Derby is a £30m project which brings together Derby City Council’s workspaces – Friar Gate Studios, Kings Chambers, Sadler Bridge Studios, Shot Tower, Riverside Chambers and the iHub innovation centre on Infinity Park.
The scheme provides micro businesses, entrepreneurs and SMEs with the high specification working environment, IT infrastructure, and business support they need to grow and develop.
Speaking about Marble Hall’s continuing success, Ann Bhatti, head of Connect Derby, said: “To achieve almost maximum capacity, particularly in the current uncertain economic climate, is tremendous and reflects the hard work put in every day by the Connect Derby team.
“The day nursery has proved particularly successful, which is good news for the whole community.”
Councillor Matthew Holmes, deputy leader of Derby City Council and cabinet member for planning, environment and public protection, added: “It’s great to see a building with such history and tradition brought bang up-to-date to provide the local community with such much-needed facilities.
“Congratulations to Ann and her team for all their hard work in increasing occupancy levels to almost full capacity at what continues to be a very difficult time for many businesses.”
Media wanting further information about the D2N2 LEP can contact D2N2 Social Media and Marketing Officer Luke Stott on 0115 9578749 or email: Luke.stott@d2n2lep.org
