400 New Jobs To Be Created At 'Innovation Factory'

Four hundred new jobs are to be created at Belfast's new state-of-the-art Innovation Factory, due to open in October.

The £9.1 million facility, which will be part of the former Mackie's plant off Springfield Road, will offer start-up businesses and expanding firms specialising in innovation, research and development, and other creative solutions flexible, affordable space.

The Grade A standard accommodation includes 382 workstations across 111 business units, and will house over 100 businesses and entrepreneurs at full capacity.

Fully serviced facilities include meeting and conference rooms, hot desking, superfast broadband connection, 24/7 access for tenants, on-site catering and car parking. 

Suzanne Wylie, Chief Executive of Belfast City Council, said: "Small, independent businesses are the backbone of our city, but young people considering this type of career need state-of-the-art infrastructure and support which encourages and enables them to be their own boss and strengthens the economy.

"We've worked closely with our contractors, as well as the local community, to create a modern, dynamic space which really appeals to young up and coming entrepreneurs, while also paying tribute to the site's industrial heritage.

"As the first development to be completed on this site, the Innovation Factory also offers huge potential to socially regenerate this wider area, and become a catalyst in bringing more jobs and opportunities to those living nearby, as well as the wider city."

An extensive range of business growth and innovation services, tailored to local needs, will be managed by Oxford Innovation, in partnership with a range of Belfast-based suppliers and sub-contractors.

(MH)