OPERATORS have been chosen to run Colchester’s new Creative Business Centre.

Leading visual arts organisation Space, based in East London, has been chosen to operate the site in the former police station in Queen Street.

The site will provide 44 studio spaces, including co-working desk space and networking facilities for businesses in the creative and digital industries.

Space already runs 18 artist studio buildings across seven London boroughs, but this will be its first expansion outside of the capital.

Chief executive Anna Harding said the move was a key part of the company’s long-term strategy to develop a creative industries production corridor linking East London with Essex.

She said: “This great new facility is due to open in autumn 2016 and will be at the heart of the emerging creative quarter in St Botolph’s.

“Space is looking forward to developing partnerships with our neighbours Firstsite, the Minories, Colchester Institute and the planned Curzon cinema”

Colchester Council’s culture and regeneration boss Tim Young said: “I am extremely excited to appoint such an experienced and knowledgeable operator.

“I believe Space has the skills and the networks to build a really successful creative hub for growing businesses.”

Essex County Council’s councillor responsible for economic growth Kevin Bentley said: “This significant development takes us another step closer to establishing what will be an exciting hub for businesses in this sector, driving economic growth.”