Colchester has gained an innovative home for digital entrepreneurs and creative minds.
More than £6million has been invested in the new Digital Forum in Queen Street, which is now open to the public.
The former bus depot, which pays homage to its former use with its special design, is offering workspaces for businesses, artists and more in an attempt to best support the city’s digital economy.
Nine studios, ideal for start-ups and creative companies, as well as open co-working zones and meeting spaces, which can be booked individually, offer plenty of room for new and expanding businesses.
Parris Andrews, deputy chief executive of Colbea, said: “The Digital Forum is an incredible building, and will breathe new life into the city centre. We have combined heritage in design with cutting-edge architecture and technology to create a space that is future-fit for our ambitious city centre.
“Ahead of the opening, we are already in advanced talks with some major tech brands to move into the office space. In addition, the building will provide meeting space, co-working, and hot-desking designed around how people want to work today. It will play an important role in the next phase of regeneration in this part of Colchester.”
Run by Colbea, a not-for-profit organisation supporting enterprises and businesses across Essex, the new forum will combine several industries in a modern setting.
Tabitha Rendle, manager of the new forum, said: “The launch featured immersive projection and VR by CapitArtX, showcasing the building’s creative potential, alongside commissioned screenprints of artefacts found on the site’s excavation and digitally displayed bus driver portraits, by Larkrise Pictures based next door at 37 Queen Street.
“Honouring the site’s heritage has guided every design decision, from the digital logos to the furniture fit out and curating the space together as a Colbea team has meant we all feel truly connected to the building, and incredibly proud to have created something special for our hometown.”
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Colchester Council leader David King praised the new venue at the forefront of transformation across the city.
He said: "This Digital Forum shows the momentum now building across Colchester’s city centre. With new public spaces like St Nicholas Square, the upcoming St Botolph’s Quarter, the restoration of Jumbo and private investment such as Minerva House, the former M&S, we are seeing real, visible change.
“Bringing this historic building back into productive use adds to that sense of confidence and creates the kind of modern workspace that attracts talent, supports innovation and strengthens our local economy.”
For more information on how to book a desk or rent a unit at the newly renovated site, visit digitalforum.uk.
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