The Base offers start-ups space, support and credibility, says council

Warrington boasts the sixth highest number of start-ups in the country and is in the top ten places in the UK for high growth SMEs – and now, say bosses at Warrington Borough Council, the town has a fitting new home for ambitious entrepreneurs.

The Base, a 50,000 sq ft grade ‘A’ office building in the town’s emerging central business district, has been developed by Warrington & Co., Warrington’s partnership for growth, on behalf of Warrington Borough Council to meet demand from ambitious SMEs for high quality business space.  And, Leader of Warrington Borough Council; Cllr Terry O’Neill, says, he has no doubt it will soon be humming with enterprise.

“The level of company formation in Warrington just keeps on growing as business people realise that the skills and expertise they need are here in abundance.  We’re targeting The Base at advanced manufacturing and engineering businesses in particular, sectors where Warrington has strong credentials.

“The Base plays to the town’s strengths.  Ambitious businesses want to co-locate with like-minded firms in their early days before they reach a size where they need to spread their wings and so there will be a business development manager on hand to lend their experience as part of the overall package.  A home like this gives small firms enhanced credibility.” added Cllr O’Neill.
The five story development, designed by Liverpool-based Falconer Chester Hall and constructed by ISG, offers flexible space from a single desk up to a whole floor plate of 10,000 square feet.
Jayne Furnival, group property director at Langtree, who provide all aspects of the building’s management, said that The Base’s location was key to its appeal: “You’ve got bus and rail interchanges immediately to the south, along with the town’s retail core, and a growing business base around the stadium.  The emerging central business district will be key to the town’s future growth and we’re delighted to be a focal point of that,” she noted.

Steve Park, managing director of Warrington & Co. added, “This is a fabulous facility in a superb location. Warrington is always top of the UK start up tables and this will provide a much needed facility that will support the growth of fledgling businesses.”

The first tenant is due to move in to the building in early February and discussions are already underway with a number of other parties with regards to taking space, added Jayne.
The High Sheriff of Cheshire, Bill Holroyd CBE, DL, officially opens the building at a ceremony on 21st January for invited guests from the region’s property and business communities.