[A] former Grade II listed pub which was converted into unique office and leisure spaces for local businesses in the Lake District, is now fully occupied, within the first six months of calling its first orders.
Digital marketing company, Eclectic, has taken the last of the spaces at Billy’s Space, a 6000 sq ft creative work hub located in the beautiful village of Staveley.
Formerly the Duke William pub, the building which had been left derelict for four years, was given a new lease of life by property development and regeneration company, Watch This Space, which launched the development at the end of last year.
Billy’s Space was designed by award-winning John Coward Architects from Cartmel and is made up of seven unique work spaces. The scheme also includes cycle storage, electric car charging and showers and the design has been thought through with the character linked to its location. Keeping with its heritage, the spaces have also given pub names including The Tavern, Speakeasy and The Tap Room.
The scheme is unique as the spaces were marketed to occupiers with the opportunity to rent or buy, giving them the option to be their own landlords- a rarity in the commercial market, which has contributed to its popularity.
Eclectic will join a diverse group of businesses already at Billy’s Space including outdoor brands, Osprey, Fjällräven, Hanwag and Primus, yoga cycle fitness company Lifecycol, Roadhouse Co-work Space, Tech Soft 3D and Artisan Ice Cream producer manufacturer, Kimi’s Gelato.
Speaking about the success of Billy’s Space, Michelle Rothwell, founder of Watch This Space, who grew up in the Lake District, said: “We’re really proud to have a full house at Billy’s Space but even more so about the fantastic range of businesses we have been able to attract with our unique offering and workspaces which challenge the norm.
“It is fantastic to see the diverse mixture of tenants coming in. We have people going to do yoga classes in the morning, who will soon will be able to enjoy home-made ice-cream served from the new Gelato café.
“We wanted to do something really special with Billy’s Space because the Duke William was a pillar of community life in Staveley and we are therefore pleased to have given it a new lease of life.
“By regenerating and giving it a new purpose, we have brought a Grade II listed building back to life in the heart of the village. Billy’s Space has already proved that we can attract and retain local talent by providing the next generation of businesses with innovative spaces that stimulate, challenge, engage- and most importantly ones in which people enjoy spending their time in.
Asked about her plans to open any other schemes in Cumbria, Rothwell, added: “We are currently looking for more opportunities in the Lake District to support the growth of local businesses in the area, that challenge the types of spaces that are available to help with the growth of the economy- so watch this space.”
Mark Morrison, managing director of Eclectic, said: “I love being part of the revitalised Duke William pub. As a creative company working with organisations around Cumbria and across Europe, we are all excited to have an inspirational base in this fresh and vibrant addition to Staveley’s community.”
For further information see our Facebook www.facebook.com/billysspacestaveley/ or look at the progress on www.billysspace.property or @wtsproperty.
