Advertisement

Innovation hub ‘The Wellsprings’ opens in Bolton  

New flexible office, meeting and co-working facility for entrepreneurs and start-ups is open for business in the Greater Manchester town 

A newly renovated building in the heart of Bolton has opened its doors to innovative local businesses and start-ups. ‘The Wellsprings’ offers flexible office, meeting and co-working spaces, as well as call pods, bike storage and kitchen facilities. 

Cllr Nick Peel at the new Wellsprings innovation hub in Bolton, photo courtesy of Bolton Council

Cllr Nick Peel at the new Wellsprings innovation hub in Bolton, photo courtesy of Bolton Council

The aim is make this a home to a growing community of creative, collaborative and tech-driver enterprises. The centre’s in-house Innovation Director will also be on hand to support business growth. 

The renovation of the building was backed by £6.9m from the Towns Fund and £1.4m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It was originally scheduled to open last year but there have been delays. 

The project is part of Bolton Council’s wider strategy to drive investment, encourage innovation and create more quality jobs. It’s one of a number of developments in the ongoing regeneration of the town centre. The Wellspring is just opposite the town’s fully renovated Central Library. 

The council is keen to note its proximity to other amenities, such as Bolton Market Food Hall and Elizabeth Park. It is also next door to the Octagon Multistorey Car Park and a short walk from Bolton Transport Interchange.  

The Wellsprings is managed by Oxford Innovation Space on behalf of Bolton Council. The company managers 30 such innovation centres across the UK and Ireland. 

Cllr Nick Peel, Leader of Bolton Council, says: ‘The Wellsprings is a vital part of Bolton’s ongoing regeneration, as we continue to transform the town centre with the right mix of places to shop, live, work and relax. So many of the UK’s biggest businesses started here in Bolton, and we now have a space where the industry leaders of the future can take their first steps. As these new businesses develop and grow at The Wellsprings they will create more jobs, contribute to the local economy and attract further investment.’ 

Jo Stevens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space, adds: ‘We’re proud to be supporting Bolton Council in making The Wellsprings a catalyst for business growth and innovation in the town centre. There’s clear demand in the local area from entrepreneurs and small businesses looking for the best environment to take the next steps in their growth journey. Our role is to create a space where ambition is backed by practical support, helping new businesses to thrive and, in time, become an integral part of Bolton’s wider economic success.’ 

In related news:

Ambitious new plan to cut emissions by 44% in Manchester  

BT Street Hub kiosk replacements approved in Colchester, blocked by Preston

£9m for battery research from Faraday Institution

Simon Guerrier
Writer and journalist for Infotec, Social Care Today and Air Quality News
Help us break the news – share your information, opinion or analysis
Back to top