Merseyway's new 'Innovation Centre' - an office and accommodation building described as 'the perfect space for start-ups and entrepreneurs' - is due to open this month. 

Located on the first floor of Merseyway, the Innovation Centre occupies 15,000 sq ft of former hard-to-let retail space and aims to provide 'a new home for small and growing businesses'.

It comes as part of the council's aim to 'regenerate' the town centre, increasing footfall and activity. 

The centre could house up to 50 businesses, and, as Stockport Council describes, will provide new employment opportunities for local residents, encourage job growth and promote innovation and entrepreneurialism.

The council adds: "The Innovation Centre will support the growing sector of digital, creative and innovative businesses looking to locate in Stockport, and offers flexible accommodation from coworking space to shared office and individual units from 100 sqft up to 570 sq ft."

Funding for the building has come from Stockport Council, the EU's European Regional Development Fund (through Northern Powerhouse), and from the Department for Culture, Media & Sport's Cultural Development Fund managed by Arts Council England, which supports creative businesses.

Cllr Colin Macalister, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: "Merseyway Innovation Centre is going to be a fantastic addition to our town centre.

"We have a thriving business community in Stockport, but this will help to attract and strengthen our support to small businesses, enabling their businesses to prosper and grow. [...]

"The Innovation Centre is a key project that is just one part of our overall £1 billion regeneration of our town centre."

Jo Stevens, Managing Director of Oxford Innovation Space - which manages the centre on behalf of the council - said: "We are incredibly excited to be managing Merseyway Innovation Centre and are confident it will play an important part in realising Stockport Council's vision of the area being a thriving hub of innovation."

~

READ MORE: Five jobs available around Stockport now - New Peacocks store, The Light, and more

~

Struggling with the cost of living crisis? Find out what help is available by clicking the government banners on this site.

~

Free from clickbait, pop-up ads and unwanted surveys, Stockport Nub News is a quality online newspaper for our town.

To get our top stories in your inbox each week, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter HERE.

Please consider following Stockport Nub News on Facebook or Twitter