Construction kicks off on a multi-million-pound enterprise hub.
The £17.5m Town Deal program of Todmorden achieved a significant achievement by starting construction work on its £3.8m community-led enterprise centre at Ferney Lee. The project gained an additional £4m through its partnership with Connect Housing and Calder Valley Community Land Trust (CVCLT) which allowed the integration of 19 affordable rental homes with 23 budget-friendly offices and workspaces. The project stands as a vital component of the economic development plan which aims to boost business activity through new skills development and employment opportunities.
The Enterprise Centre serves micro-businesses and startups as well as freelancers who leave home offices and growing SMEs by providing contemporary affordable workspace solutions. The new homes constructed with superior energy efficiency standards will provide social rent options to Todmorden residents who have local connections. The Town Deal Board chair Pam Warhurst declared that this development represents a total transformation for enterprise activities and collaboration within the area. The initiative seeks to power the development of skills and job creation and local business ventures.
Connect Housing functions as the lead organization for residential development at West Yorkshire by overseeing both construction activities and post-construction home management. Martyn Broadest from Connect’s home division declared their objective to build superior energy-efficient housing. The Homes England Affordable Homes Programme enabled Ferney Lee’s design to enhance the community while maintaining area respect.
The project received its support from CVCLT as a vital Town Deal partner and CVCLT Enterprise Ltd will operate the centre after its completion. Dai Larner from CVCLT declared that the organization builds modern jobs to maintain youth residents in the area. The initiative focuses on revitalization by providing permanent homes and employment opportunities which establish community ties in Todmorden. The Town Deal provided £3.8m while Connect invested £1.9m and Homes England contributed £1.9m to the project. PLP Construction has begun work on the site with plans to complete it during spring 2026.
The business hub and housing components of the project work together to activate economic development while providing residential stability. The initiative represents a realistic solution to achieve community stability and growth in a town which needs both.
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