£5.4m Rotherham business incubation hub appoints Esh Construction as contractor

Plans to create a brand-new business incubation hub on Century Business Park in Rotherham have taken a step forward with Esh Construction now appointed as contractor.

Led by Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, Century 2 will provide high-quality, serviceable office and workshop accommodation designed to help micro or startup businesses grow. The facility will feature 20 workshops, 16 office units and 2 laboratories for 38 businesses.

This second phase will build on the success of the nearby Century Business Centre, which was constructed in 2000, and has since helped over 300 businesses, playing a part in the economic regeneration of the Manvers area.

Esh Construction has been appointed as design and build contractor after the scheme was procured by YORhub’s YORbuild2 framework and will work in partnership with The Harris Partnership and RWO Associates.

Esh’s operations director, Paul Waller, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Rotherham Council on this key facility that will enable businesses to become more successful and sustainable, contributing to a boost in local employment and the economy.

“From receiving the initial brief, Esh has led a fast-tracked pre-construction process which included developing design proposals, arranging surveys, pricing the scheme, and submitting planning all within a 10-month period. A huge achievement from everyone involved and we look forward to getting work underway.”

The new centre will feature a central reception and lettable conference facilities for larger meetings and functions. Externally, the site will include car parking, cycle storage and electric car charging points. The workshop zone will have its own dedicated service yard for light vehicles such as transit vans and utility vehicles.

The site is located just off the A6195 at Wombwell, providing connectivity links to M1 and A1. It will be managed by Rotherham Investment and Development Office (RiDO) which manages similar facilities across the borough.