Final part of Leamington's £6m Spencer Yard regeneration project now complete
The transformation of three derelict buildings in Leamington Spa is now complete, with the final building, once a WW2 camouflage workshop, now named 1 Spencer Yard, now fully let to four creative businesses.
The £6 million Spencer Yard regeneration project is the first to be completed by Complex Development Projects as part of a 10-year Creative Quarter initiative (CDP) in partnership with Warwick district council.
The latest new offices at 1 Spencer Yard, are now home to EDAG Engineering, LoudLocal, PO’Sh Creative and Lily Head Dental Practice Sales and Finance with around 50 people now working there.
Finance for the project was provided by Frontier Development Capital and it was supported by a grant from the government's Future High Streets Fund.
The other two buildings, which formed part of the Spencer Yard project, are already occupied. A Grade II-listed United Reformed Church has been converted into co-working areas and office space for independent marketing group Cogent, while the SAE Institute has moved into the Old Nursery.
"We could have let 1 Spencer Yard three times over because of the level of interest, which highlights the demand for office space from the creative and digital sector," said James Brookes, senior development executive at CDP.
"We decided to keep the existing Old Dole Office building as structurally it was very sound, but extend the office space by adding a further floor.
"Our contractor Croft Building & Conservation has completed the work beautifully to create much-needed quality office space for local businesses.
He added: "It has brought three derelict buildings back to life to transform the area and boost the creative and digital sector to build on the town’s Silicon Spa reputation."
Abi Greenhough, managing director of Lily Head Dental Practice Sales and Finance, said: "Spencer Yard was the ideal office solution for our expanding team since it provided the modern workspace we needed for our flexible working needs, and being in the heart of the Creative Quarter has lifted everyone’s spirits."
Daniel Radigk, of EDAG Engineering, added: "Automotive Engineers at Spencer Yard are all about creativity, so this fits very well with our business.
"The EDAG Group is very much about environment, re-using, so the reusing of an old disused building like Spencer Yard sits very well with our company values and beliefs."
Meanwhile, Leon Hidderley of digital marketing agency LoudLocal, noted: “As we outgrew our cosy office in Kenilworth, we recognised the need for a location with excellent transport links, modern facilities, and room to grow.
"Spencer Yard fits the bill perfectly, ticking all our boxes. The opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded creative businesses made the decision an easy one."
Nicola O'Shaughnessy, marketing director at PO’Sh Creative, said: "This move is a natural next step for us, placing our team at the heart of our town’s Creative Quarter and offering the ideal environment for us to grow, collaborate, and continue producing fresh, innovative work.
"We’re very proud to be contributing to the growth of Leamington’s evolving creative sector."
CDP, as part of its Creative Quarter partnership, is currently delivering the Stoneleigh Arms and Old School regeneration on Clemence Street/Court Street early next year and is hoping soon to announce further projects under the partnership.
