Overview
In 2015, our Peterborough centre opened on the site of the local football club stadium, and offers local businesses flexible workspace, coworking and an inspiring community – with a great conference room overlooking the football pitch.
Objective
The main goal of Allia opening this centre was to encourage and support businesses with an environmental or social mission to start up and grow. Whilst also promoting entrepreneurship to people as a way of creating opportunities for them to take part in Peterborough’s growth.
Solution
To achieve this, we developed a flexible office ecosystem that includes:
- Private Offices: Offering secure, dedicated workspaces for growing businesses.
- Break-out Spaces: Designed to provide flexible, informal areas where people can collaborate, relax, or work independently.
- Meeting Rooms: Equipped with modern amenities for client meetings, workshops, and team gatherings.
- Virtual Office Services: Catering to remote businesses needing a prestigious mailing address and administrative support.
- Business Support Programme: Providing mentorship, networking events, and resources to help startups thrive.
Implementation
Allia refurbished the building on behalf of the council to deliver a high-quality business centre environment in the mould of Allia successful FBC operations in Cambridge, designed to build an impact ecosystem to inspire new and existing entrepreneurs and businesses to scale up.
The project involved:
- Space Reconfiguration: Adapting the layout while preserving architectural integrity.
- Modern Infrastructure: Installing high-speed internet, state-of-the-art security systems, and ergonomic furnishings.
- Community Integration: Engaging local stakeholders to ensure the hub meets community and business needs.
Results
- High Utilisation Rates: The flexible workspaces have been consistently occupied, reflecting strong demand and user satisfaction.
- Financial Success: The Peterborough Centre has generated significant revenue, effectively offsetting the costs of maintaining and managing the building.
- Economic Impact: The hub has contributed to local economic growth and job creation by supporting innovative companies and early-stage businesses.
- Business Support: Our Impact team has successfully supported 1,011 ventures in Peterborough (2019–2024)
Do we feel like part of the family? Absolutely. We feel a part of something more.Â
Allia Future Business Centre is a modern, clean and professional environment. If there is a worry, we get responses, if there is an issue, it gets fixed.”
Jonathan Jelley, Acting CEO of Peterborough Council for Voluntary Services
