A new Innovation Centre in Workington is on track for practical completion next month and has an operator in place to run the building.
Following the completion of building work at the end of March, the building will then be handed-over from Cumberland Council to Oxford Innovation Space who will fit-out the building in preparation for an opening in summer 2026.
The new facility will provide purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses, as well as bringing new modern office accommodation to Workington, something currently lacking in the town.
It will also complement another Workington Town Deal project, the Digital Accelerator Hub at Lakes College. It is prioritising skills and employability to strengthen a new generation of digital expertise.
The Innovation Centre is located on part of the former Central Car Park in Workington town centre. There is a particular focus on digital technologies and the digitisation of advanced manufacturing, supporting the region’s future skills and industry needs.
The aim is to attract start-ups ready for incubation, as well as ambitious small businesses with clear growth potential. Tailored innovation and business support will be provided to customers by Oxford Innovation Space experts to help them achieve their ambitions and scale sustainably.
Businesses interested in locating at the Innovation Centre are encouraged to register their interest ahead of the summer 2026 opening by emailing [email protected]
The four-storey building has been designed to be energy efficiency. Air source heat pumps have been installed, while solar panels on the roof will help meet the building’s electricity needs.
The building’s interior is flexible so it can be reconfigured to meet the needs of the customers. There will be both private and informal meeting rooms, conference spaces, and catering facilities for building users and events. Sustainability is key so business owners and their employees will be encouraged to use greener methods of transport - secure cycle storage will be installed, as will shower facilities.
The Innovation Centre is part of the Workington Town Deal - £23.1 million of Government funding for a range of transformative projects, which also include a new sports village and improvements to Workington Port, as well as improved public realm.
Oxford Innovation Space will operate the site and manages a number of similar facilities across the UK, working with local authorities, universities, science parks and investors.
Two key vacancies are now live on the Oxford Innovation Space website for the new site:
The NHS has also built a £19 million Community Diagnostic Centre on neighbouring land, offering MRI, CT and ultrasound scans.
Leader of Cumberland Council, Cllr Mark Fryer, said:
“The Innovation Centre will give a huge boost to Cumbria’s business community. As a council we want to attract and retain the very best quality businesses and improve the entrepreneurial opportunities we know already exist here.
“It is also in an ideal place to increase footfall to the town centre and make use of Workington’s transport links. This is a new and exciting project that is going to benefit the entire Cumberland community.”
Jo Stevens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space, added:
“We are delighted to be working in partnership with Cumberland Council to bring the Workington Innovation Centre to life. Our focus will be on creating a vibrant, supportive environment for digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses with real ambition to grow.
“Beyond high-quality workspace, businesses will benefit from tailored innovation and business support, strong local partnerships, and access to a wider national network of centres. We’re already keen to speak with prospective customers who want to be part of this new chapter for Workington.”
