CREATIVE LOFTS (Places for People)

DEVELOPER
Places for People Group (North British Housing)

LOCATION
Converted derelict Mechanics Institute in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire



STAGE
Completed spring 2002

SCALE
21 units, 3 are currently work-only, 5 live-only

TENURE
Rented, assured shorthold - rents between £115 and £150 per week including service charge for business support facilities

FUNDING
£2.1 million development cost. Funded mainly by private finance supplemented by grants of £240,000 of from EU creative towns fund, £225,00 from Huddersfield Pride single regeneration budget and £340,000 from Yorkshire Forward RDA/English Partnerships. The site cost £71,500

Main partners: Huddersfield Media Centre - assesses business plans of applicants, provides business support and telecoms to residents

TARGET MARKET
Mainly ICT-based small businesses and self-employed

DEFINING FEATURES
Strong link to established business cluster, the adjacent Media Centre, which has cafe, meeting facilities and over 200 people working for 80 companies

An in depth analysis of this scheme is available in our report Homes that Work

CONTACT
David Power, policy director, Places for People Group