MID Devon District Council has secured funding to create a new “flexible workspace” in Tiverton. 

The Market Centre building in Market Place car park, which was previously a youth centre, is to be transformed into a “vibrant co-working space” and is expected to open next spring. 

The council said a recent four-month study it commissioned found “strong demand for a work hub in the area, particularly from self-employed homeworkers and homeworking employees”. 

Funding has been secured to renovate the building through the local authority’s Shared Prosperity Fund delivery plan. 

“It is a long-held corporate ambition for the council to develop and grow flexible workspace in the district and it is our continued desire to support business growth,” Mid Devon District Council’s Director of Place and Economy Richard Marsh said.  

“Coworking spaces such as this provide the ideal platform for isolated workers to come together to network, share ideas, operate from a professional space for meeting clients and access tools they otherwise couldn’t from home.  

“This in turn boosts local entrepreneurship, collaboration and innovation.  

“The new work hub will provide the opportunity to support businesses and also enhance the footfall and vibrancy of the town centre.  

“The council acknowledges the change of this space from community use and intends to convene a conversation with local groups to understand their need.” 

Other businesses in Crediton, Cullompton and Willand have also received funding through Mid Devon’s Prosperity Programme to “support development and expansion of flexible workspace provision”, the council added.