Second Flagship Business Centre Boost for Valleys Business Park

16 Aug 2006

A £2m flagship business incubation centre in South Wales is now under construction which will provide accommodation for more than 100 people in new start and knowledge based companies.

When completed, Ty Antur – Enterprise House, will complement the facilities provided at Ty Menter – Venture House, its sister building which is fully occupied, and the adjacent Valleys Innovation Centre at Navigation Park, Abercynon.

Developed by Venture Wales, the leading Welsh business support organisation, the near 20,000 sq ft new complex will create much-needed modern new employment space for local sme’s.

The building which overlooks the A470 dual carriageway at Navigation Park, Abercynon, is due to be completed and handed over to Venture Wales in March 2007.

It is funded by Venture Wales, with financial support from the Welsh Assembly Government which has provided a Property Development Grant funded by the European Objective One programme, and with help from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s Regeneration Division.

Philip Cooper, Managing Director of Venture Wales, said, “This is another very exciting scheme for our company, which has developed a reputation as the leading provider of entrepreneurial support services in Wales.

“Thanks to help from our funding partners, the new business incubation centre will create much-needed new space for letting to new start and knowledge-based SMEs in particular.

The new business incubation centre provides a valuable addition to the local work-space on offer and will also enhance the existing services offered by Ty Menter and the Valleys Innovation Centre.”

Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise Innovation and Networks, said Navigation Park was developing into an important regional hub for enterprising and innovative new companies, many of which were working in knowledge based sectors.

“Small and medium sized businesses are the lifeblood of the Welsh economy and the Welsh Assembly Government is actively supporting and encouraging new indigenous start up businesses.

“The provision of incubation facilities and business support is a key factor in enabling early stage companies to survive and thrive and reach their growth potential. It is also encouraging to see a private sector organisation take the lead in creating this centre to foster enterprising businesses in the South Wales valleys.”

Cllr Russell Roberts, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, described the new centre as yet another example of the commitment to ensure the county realises the potential it has to be the economic heart of South Wales.

“Rhondda Cynon Taf is a very exciting place to be right now,” he said.

“Huge strides are being made in terms of creating jobs, returning people to work and opening new businesses. There is a huge infrastructure of support and aid to boost economic activity and this continues.

“With the massive investments in roads, transport and town centre regeneration, there is a bright future ahead and we are determined to see the success continue.”

Venture Wales project manager Greg Byrne said the response from potential occupiers interested in the combination of facilities and easy-in easy-out terms being offered at the centre had already been extremely encouraging.

“Even before starting on site we have already secured enquiries for available space. This serves as a valid reminder of the value of providing public funding to ensure that buildings of this kind are developed in the Valleys,” Mr Byrne said.

The centre, which is being constructed by contractor Kier Western, is being developed to stringent BREEAM environmental standards, with other design features including the provision of full disabled access and facilities.

Other in-built design features of the building include features that allow total flexibility on size options for individual offices.

It also incorporates ISDN/broadband ICT infrastructure, CAT 6 telecommunication cabling, computer floors, interview and meeting facilities. Additionally, tenants will be able to benefit from the services of Venture Wales’ senior business support team, which is already based at Navigation Park.

“The superb location combined with a mix of a modern environment and on-site business support will create one of the most complete and desirable business development centres in Wales,” Mr Byrne added.

Phil Cooper confirmed that “We are delighted that Venture Wales and its partners have once again demonstrated their commitment to meeting the challenges faced in developing the local economy.”