01.07.2019, 18:53
Awards Shortlist for Newbury Business Park
Greenham Business Park and new community arts and exhibition venue and café, The Base, have been selected as a finalist in the Creative Spaces category of the 2019 EG Awards.
The Base is the welcoming focal point at the new entrance to Greenham Business Park. It is a destination for the public to enjoy, a central hub for businesses and enhances the park’s amenities.
Grant Brisland, director of Corn Exchange, a strategic partner contributing to the success of The Base said, “The Base has already proven extremely popular, attracting over 5,500 visitors within the first three months of opening. With a café and a varied programme of craft activities, workshops and exhibitions scheduled, it is a fantastic resource for park residents and the local community. Arts and culture are fundamental in creating a sense of place and the building, along with the wider business park, plays a key part in delivering the objectives of the newly launched Economic Development Company to establish Newbury, West Berkshire as a desirable place to live and work.”
Following collaborative working between the local authority, West Berkshire Council and Greenham Trust, Local Development Order (LDO) status was granted to Greenham Business Park in January 2019 and it has already been commended by the 2019 Planning Awards in the Promoting Economic Growth category. For any company wishing to build or extend their offices, the LDO provides a framework for permitted development, drastically reducing the risk, time and cost involved in a traditional planning application.
Councillor Hilary Cole, West Berkshire Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development said, “We are really keen to show that West Berkshire is open for business and the fact Greenham Business Park is being recognised in this way is great.
“The Park is a really important employment site for West Berkshire. The commitment we have all put into promoting it as a great place to do business is clearly very attractive to employers of all sizes and we see the level of interest shown already as a real vote of confidence. We look forward to working with partners to deliver further development at the park in the years to come.”
The EG Awards recognise forward thinking, those who change the property industry and enhance the built environment. The judges will be looking for wider contribution to clients and other stakeholders, sustainable growth and positive change as well as financial performance and sales growth.
Greenham Trust and Greenham Business Park CEO Chris Boulton said, “There is some stiff competition however, our business model of managing Greenham Business Park and other property assets to create surplus revenues for charitable giving in West Berkshire and North Hampshire is unique. The Base was a significant investment for the Trust and creates a fantastic space that can bring our community together to see major exhibitions, to enjoy art activities as well as eating and drinking in the café. It is also a vital resource for occupiers on the business park making it an attractive place to do business. We will have to wait and see on the night!”
Other finalists in the category are Architecture Initiative – Northampton International Academy, Battersea Power Station Development Company – No18, Greystar Europe Holdings Limited – Sailmakers Reception Lounge, LCR – Leake Street Arches and Places for People – Park Hill, Sheffield. The winner will be announced at an award ceremony at Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London on 22 October 2019.
Author
