The Innovation Centre

The building has been handed-over from Cumberland Council to Oxford Innovation Space who will fit-out the building in preparation for an opening in summer 2026.

Businesses interested in locating at the Innovation Centre are encouraged to register their interest ahead of the summer 2026 opening by emailing [email protected].

This new facility provides purpose-built accommodation for entrepreneurial businesses, as well as bringing new modern office accommodation to Workington, something currently lacking in the town.

It also complements another Workington Town Deal project, the Digital Accelerator Hub, which opened at Lakes College in 2023. It is prioritising skills and employability to strengthen a new generation of digital expertise.

Background

£11.8 million of Town Deal money, with additional funding from Cumberland Council, brought this project to life.

The Innovation Centre is located on part of the former Central car park in Workington town centre and is primarily aimed at digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses. The aim is to attract start-ups who are ripe for incubation, as well as small businesses ready for growth. Expert help will be available to help them achieve their ambitions.

The four-storey building has been designed to be energy efficient and has achieved an ‘A’ rated Energy Performance Certificate. Air source heat pumps have been installed, while solar panels on the roof will help meet the building’s electricity needs.

99.97% of the construction waste was successfully diverted from landfill and all of the machinery on site used Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a diesel alternative.

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 has been installed as well as shower facilities.

As part of the project a number of ‘social value’ outputs were delivered including 211 apprentice weeks completed and 3 T-level 1 day a week work placements. Additional works to improve land alongside parts of the cycle route that is in close proximity to the project site is also planned.

Thinking long term, the aim is that the Innovation Centre will contribute to the growth and retention of SMEs within Workington and West Cumbria, as well as generate an uplift in innovation activity throughout the area.

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. 

The NHS has also built a £19 million Community Diagnostic Centre on neighbouring land, offering MRI, CT and ultrasound scans.

Image