A thriving business centre near Keswick is looking to redevelop and expand to answer the demand of rural businesses.
Planning permission has this week been submitted by social impact property developers BEC to the Lake District National Park Authority for work on land next to Blencathra Business Centre.
The proposed new building will house 922sq m of new workshops divided into 18 units.
BEC said consultation with the community and local businesses surrounding the Blencathra Business Centre took place, with their views considered with the plans.
Stephen Holland, head of development at BEC, said: “Blencathra Business Centre, near Keswick, has been a great success, let on rolling monthly license fees to small businesses, Blencathra comprises light industrial workshops and small office spaces.
“The existing units have been 100 per cent occupied for over five years now with a waiting list, ensuring space is reoccupied immediately when tenants move on.
“This clear demand, and a desire to explore new green technologies and thinking on design and construction, is why we are looking to bring this, what we hope will be a pioneering development, forward and provide opportunities for 18 more local businesses.
“In recognition of the development goals of the Lake District National Park Authority, and in support of the existing small business centre, our proposed design provides a series of smaller self-contained units. The design has specifically looked to avoid building on the full plot, keeping sight lines, view corridors and biodiversity access routes across the site open.”
BEC said the development will improve natural biodiversity and be sensitive to the surrounding environment.
BEC’s chief executive Michael Pemberton added: “We’re incredibly passionate about ensuring our new developments are sensitive to the environment at BEC.
“We have explored introducing various types of renewable energy source to the development married with a low energy demand design approach. The proposed new building has been designed to be an exemplary showcase of sustainable and responsible ecological design.
“Our portfolio stretches right West Cumbria, and the Blencathra Business Centre is a key one, where we provide a range of opportunities for rural Keswick businesses and I’m looking forward to seeing the development move forward as the demand for modern professional space accelerates.”
