Enterprise Centre becomes "Node" as construction completed

Construction of the Enterprise Centre on the outskirts of Barnstaple has been completed.

Main contractor ISG – appointed to the scheme via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF) – has constructed the Enterprise Centre at Devon County Council’s Roundswell Enterprise Park development, and today formally handed over the building to TownSq who will be running the centre on behalf of the County Council.

The centre has been designed to offer flexible office accommodation for small and medium size businesses that are looking to grow, and TownSq has a proven track record in supporting the development of vibrant start-up business communities in England and Wales.

The Enterprise Centre, which will be known as Node, has received interest from a number of companies both local and out of county enquiring about the office facilities, membership and the funded business support packages. 

The design and construction of the building has focused on ensuring it is environmentally sustainable and achieves the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) Excellent Status. 

Node will also provide professional meeting space, high-speed broadband connectivity, and an overall environment that will encourage networking opportunities.

Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said: “The completion of Node, as it is now called, is an exciting development for Devon's economy. We've all seen the devastating impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on local business. Node will be there to provide start-ups and SMEs with support and opportunities as we look toward recovery and creating a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable economy. With TownSq in place to develop an innovative business community we're confident that Node can play an important role in restarting our local economy to ensure we build back better."

Mandy Weston, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of TownSq, said: “We’re excited to see that construction has now completed and that Node will soon be up and running. We’ve already begun building our community and we will have a few announcements to share soon. Whilst Node is going to be an incredible space, building a community of businesses is so much more than brick and mortar. We would encourage anyone interested in viewing the space or learning about our plans and what support we can provide, to get in touch with us.”

Neil MacDonald, ISG’s operations director commented: “Creating the key infrastructure to support local communities and wider regional economies is one way that the construction industry generates a legacy that goes beyond the buildings themselves. I’m confident that these excellent facilities at the Enterprise Centre will support countless new businesses to grow and create those job opportunities that are pivotal to the vibrancy and prosperity of our local communities.”

Karl Tucker, Chair, Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “It’s great to see the completion of this centre, which will provide an engaging and vibrant workspace for high-growth and start-up businesses. I’m delighted the HotSW LEP was able to support this project with £2.15m of Growth Deal funding and I look forward to seeing it open and playing a role in supporting and facilitating local business growth in Barnstaple and North Devon.”

Councillor Frank Biederman, Devon County Councillor for Fremington Rural, said: “I am incredibly excited to see Node come to fruition and the opportunities it will create for our future start-up businesses and those wanting to expand, with wrap around support it will offer. I want to personally thank every one of our officers for all their work on this, this is going to be a great boost at just the right time for the North Devon economy.”

The scheme has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership and Devon County Council.

For more information about the Enterprise Centre or to register your interest, please email barnstaple@townsq.co.uk