Work on Stoke-on-Trent's newest co-working space is set to officially start this week.
Smithfield Works is being developed by Genr8 to meet the demand from entrepreneurs, start-ups and growing businesses for a city centre workspace.
Part of the wider Smithfield scheme, in Hanley, the facility will boast hot-desking facilities, private suites, shared work space and break out areas.
Now Genr8 has revealed that it has exchanged contracts with Manchester-based fit-out specialists Dragonfly which is on site and ready to deliver the 12-week programme. Smithfield Works is expected to be completed by March 2022.
Joel Chandler, from Genr8 Developments, said: "We had great feedback and support when we launched this vision, and we are incredibly excited that work has started on site.
"Over the last few years there has been a changing nature in the way in which businesses operate, and we believe Smithfield Works will provide the best flexible workspace accommodation in the city to meet the new ways of working.
"Smithfield is well connected and already has some great amenities on its doorstep, this new co-working space will enable a more flexible approach to working whilst also complementing our current offering across the site."
Andy Penza from Dragonfly added: "Smithfield Works is a really exciting concept for Stoke-on-Trent.
"We are so pleased to be part of the team working with Genr8 to deliver the programme. We really look forward to seeing the finished product."
Smithfield Works is part of a wider programme to refurbish a number of buildings across the city to make them more suitable for businesses and start-up enterprises.
The government is providing £2.45 million for the scheme through the Getting Building Fund while the city council and private sector partners are adding a further £1.2 million.
Councillor Daniel Jellyman, cabinet member for infrastructure, regeneration and heritage, said: "The way people access and use workspaces is changing and it’s vital there is a supply of modern, quality and digitally enabled floor space in the city.
"The schemes we are bringing forward are exciting and offer something new and different for the city, particularly Smithfield Works, which will be the first of its kind in the city centre and is another example of how the area is changing and transforming for the better."
Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Enterprise Partnership (SSLEP) has led the Getting Building Fund across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.