A new next-generation co-working complex in Leamington has announced two new tenants ahead of its opening later this year.
The landmark Victorian building on the corner of Mill Street and Leam Terrace has undergone a transformation and will now feature flexible offices, dedicated desks and hot-desking, a video and sound studio, The Muse Coffeehouse, meeting areas and world-class events space.
The centre is designed to appeal to small high-growth companies and established businesses looking for a flexible space through to freelancers and start-up entrepreneurs – but will also be open to local charities and good causes.
And two Leamington businesses have already signed up to take their own separate offices at 1 Mill Street, from November – marketing agency Gibsonhaus and creative engagement agency Purple Monster.
The move represents Gibsonhaus’ first venture into commercial premises after the business was formed by Jack Gibson and his wife Jorina from home in 2015, and now serves clients across the medical, housing and IT sectors.
Jack said: “We’ve been on a strong journey of growth over the past five years – including during the recent lockdown where our workload increased by 50 per cent as more of our clients had time to assess their marketing needs – and moving into Mill Street will only serve to aid our business’ development further.
“While we have a spacious office to work from at home, I was intrigued by Mill Street’s collaborative approach of wanting to bring businesses together to work together on initiatives that can benefit the wider community.
“I’ve seen first-hand from my time working in London how impactful collaborative working can be for a business’ development, and I’m really excited for what the future holds.”
Purple Monster – which works with clients across the globe – is making the move to 1 Mill Street from its premises in Spencer Yard as the firm looks to enhance its agile way of working after celebrating its 25th birthday.
Alan Heap, managing director at Purple Monster, added: “1 Mill Street forms a key part of what the workplace of the future is going to be like – a space that breaks down the barriers of traditional office space whilst encouraging working on-the-go and networking with the other businesses.
“Once Covid-19 took hold, my staff realised they were just as productive while working from home, which led me to downsize our office space, and 1 Mill Street was just the perfect fit.
“We now have the exciting benefit of being able to develop relationships with other businesses and community groups to develop our business further, all whilst allowing our staff to drop by the office or use 1 Mill Street’s additional work and event spaces whenever they need to.”
1 Mill Street is the brainchild of Kenilworth based businessman Nigel Shanahan, whose team has undertaken a 12-month renovation and refurbishment of the 12,000 sq ft building.
Nigel said: “Gibsonhaus and Purple Monster committing their future at the facility is a brilliant early vote of confidence in a project that we think will enrich various parts of the town’s community - be it for business, charity work, or performances from community groups.
“All being well, we are looking forward to officially opening the facility to the public in November.”
For more information about 1 Mill Street visit www.1millstreet.com
Photo caption: From left, Alan Heap, Nigel Shanahan and Jack Gibson