Enterprise Zones

We are in the process of establishing zones within the NDC area where we can develop new, managed workspace units to provide accommodation for growing Oldham businesses.

We have targeted the Belgrave Mill site for the development of managed work space units to accommodate the increasing demand for good quality serviced space for manufacturing and production processes. Having purchased the Belgrave 2 Mill we are looking to secure its demolition and carry out site clearance with a view to building such units.

We are also hopeful of developing floor space in Earl Mill as serviced office space in which we can accommodate not only new companies in an incubation unit to meet the increasing demand of our successful Enterprise Factory but also to provide graduation space into which these and other companies can move as they grow and become more successful.

The NDC plans to create a managed office space enterprise zone at Earl Mill by converting and refurbishing the top floor and part of the annex of the former Littlewoods distribution centre an area of over 33,000 sq ft. Following on from the recommendations of a feasibility study the refurbishment work to commence early in 2008 will comprise selective demolition of some of the site (gatehouse lodge and some ancillary buildings), creation of car parking and hard and soft landscaping, creation of a new entrance/reception area, installation of new passenger lifts, replacement windows, brickwork cleaning and pointing, roof repairs, conversion of one floor (the top floor) into managed office/work space and training/conference facilities, conversion of former transport offices into use for media companies (recording/rehearsal rooms) and other associated works.

The new enterprise zone will house the Enterprise Factory, which will move prior to the demolition of Borough Mill under the Masterplan programme into the larger area they now require, plus additional incubation and graduation space to attract new businesses into the NDC area. It will help to meet the growing demand for high quality managed office space of which there is a recognised shortage in Oldham.

The NDC will negotiate a long-term (25 year) lease from the Mill owners, Goyt Properties, and work with them to create a substantial commercial floor area to accommodate both the relocation of the Enterprise Factory and to create other rentable office space, managed on behalf of the NDC by the Enterprise Factory. In addition there has been a demand for a recording studio and creative arts performing/rehearsal space, which could be housed in the two storey annex previously occupied by Rayners Transport. The development of the mill, in a phased approach will be targeted to:

  • Reverse the trend in job losses in the area
  • Increase the opportunities for the development of new and higher skilled businesses via the Enterprise Factory
  • Work with these businesses to create further local employment and training opportunities
  • Provide suitable graduation space for growing businesses
  • Offer the NDC a valuable revenue stream for the forward strategy vehicle.

Once again, the development of these two enterprise zones is intrinsically linked to the Spatial Masterplan for the NDC area.