By providing businesses with access to specialist help and advice during their challenging early months, the centre will help to secure long-term economic stability for the community and unlock its business potential by bringing exciting new talent into the local market.
The development of Salisbury Plain as one of a handful of "super garrisons" in the county presents new economic opportunities for the area. Fewer postings will mean greater stability for army families and local communities, greater stability for army families and local communities, greater demand for jobs and more money in the local community.
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The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has agreed £2.4m funding to buy a range of small workshops at the Castledown Business Park, near Ludgershall.
Wiltshire County Council will invest £1.4m to build an Innovation Centre at the heart of the scheme.
Work on the centre is due to be completed by early 2009. Earlier this year 21 offices, warehouse and storage units were built on the site and the Innovation Centre will provide support and training facilities for businesses occupying those units.
The two-storey glass-fronted building will act as a hub for the whole business park and include hot desking facilities and access to a training room.
The 21 units range in size from 500 to 3,200 sq ft and have a total floorspace of 27,500 sq ft, spread over just under two acres. The entire Castledown Business Park comprises a 33-acre site and is located on former Ministry of Defence land between Ludgershall and Tidworth.
(JM)
