Leigh Works new co-working space launches along Bradshawgate

First launched along Bold Street in 2019, Leigh Works is a modern office that offers collaborative desk space, high-tech software and studios, and workshops for local firms and start-ups.

Set up by a group of local creatives, Leigh Works was ahead of the game in many ways as hybrid working is now commonplace and co-working spaces are prevalent across city centres.

To cater for increasing demand, and offer an alternative to those commuting to neighbouring cities, almost £500,000 has been invested to create a new and improved space for Leigh Works, with the planned development previously described as a "turning point" for Leigh.

Following months of refurbishments, the new Leigh Works was officially unveiled last month, above Iceland on Bradshawgate.

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There is various hot desking and co-working spaces at Leigh Works (Image: Leigh Works) Private office space is also available (Image: Leigh Works) With the new office space designed to rival similar venues in city centres, phase one of the development features four private offices, meeting rooms, open-plan co-working space, electronics lab as well as other general facilities including a shower room.

A £260,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Centre for Voluntary Organisation's (GMVCO) has helped to realise phase one of the project, which aims to build on the previous successes of Leigh Works and "nurture talent and innovation in Leigh".

The office space caters for a range of industries (Image: Leigh Works)Shower facilities at the office (Image: Leigh Works) With a healthy business network at Leigh Works, which has also provided apprenticeships to local schools and colleges, the mission is to "inspire the next generation of creatives, engineers, and entrepreneurs, while creating more opportunities for the local community".

Phase two of the Leigh Works project, set to be completed early next year, will bring further offices and open-plan workspaces as well as meeting pods, breakout spaces, podcast, video and photography studios.

Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt at the official unveiling (Image: Leigh Works) The new Leigh Works project has been more than a year in the making (Image: Leigh Works) Steven Tomlinson, co-founder of Leigh Works, said: “It’s taken a lot of hard work by some incredibly passionate and dedicated people, but phase one has gone incredibly well.

"We thank all the local business heroes that have supported us on our journey by donating products and supplies as well as our funding providers, GMCVO.

"We look forward to completing phase two early next year".

Some of the Leigh Works team (Image: Leigh Works) Speaking about the projects involved in the new space, Steven added: “We’re really excited about the projects and opportunities that we have seen already in the first few weeks.

"Some of the smart energy-saving technology developed in-house for this building has attracted a lot of interest and innovation funding could see a revolutionary new product released.

"Another company is working on a new way to precisely detect landmines with millimetre precision in the field. There’s a lot going on!”

Leigh Works is up and running and still has available office space (Image: Leigh Works) With office space being snapped up at Leigh Works, information about space and memberships can be found here.