The centre, situated on part of the former Central Car Park in the town centre, will provide state-of-the-art office space and specialised accommodation designed for digital technology and advanced manufacturing businesses.
It aims to support both start-ups in their early stages and small businesses poised for expansion.
The Innovation Centre is part of a broader initiative to address the lack of modern office space in Workington.
It is expected to attract and nurture businesses in sectors like digital technology, manufacturing and innovation, with support provided by Oxford Innovation Space, which manages similar centres across the UK.
Work has already begun, with the first stages involving the removal of rubble and slag materials from the site.
Groundworks are scheduled for completion early this year and the centre is expected to open in Spring 2026.
The company has pledged to develop a comprehensive social plan aimed at benefitting the community. This includes collaboration with the Cumbria Youth Alliance and the local council’s Employability Partnership.
Morgan Sindall is also set to enhance a section of Hadrian’s Cycleway (Route 72) that runs through the town. Training in social value and carbon literacy will be provided to businesses and potential tenants of the centre.
The Innovation Centre is part of the Workington Town Deal, which secured £23.1 million in government funding for a series of transformative projects across the area. These include improvements to Workington Port, the creation of a new sports village and upgrades to public spaces, all aimed at revitalising the town and attracting investment.
“It will be good to see building work begin on this initiative, which will fill a gap in the entrepreneurial support and high-quality office accommodation available in and around Workington,” said Cumberland Council leader, councillor Mark Fryer.
Alex Isted, area director for Morgan Sindall in the North East and Cumbria, said it was important for the centre to foster a creative and cooperative business environment. “Innovation centre hubs like this one are vital for stimulating economic development. They create spaces for collaboration and provide the support businesses need to thrive,” he said.
