OSWESTRY'S Memorial Hall will be the first venue to host a pioneering project to set up a network of linked co-working venues for small businesses across Shropshire.

The scheme, called Hadleigh Works, will be housed in the top floor of Oswestry’s Memorial Hall in Festival Square and is due to open in January 2022.

The project has been funded by Shropshire Council’s Economic Growth Recovery Programme using Government funding to directly support business recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Memorial Hall trustee Erica Moss said that introducing new business uses into the Festival Square area would rejuvenate that area of the town as well as boosting use of the Memorial Hall.

She said: “Having co-working in the Memorial Hall will bring a new lease of life to a building which has served as a community hub since 1905 when it was built by a local entrepreneurial family for the benefit of the town and rural area.

“This legacy for the building will now definitely continue into the future and rejuvenate its use and position within the town – this is just the start.

It has been set up by Shropshire businessman Vernon Hogg who has 25 years of business experience at senior management level and through his own company Hadleigh Management.

He said: "The vision for Hadleigh Works is to deliver a professional workspace for modern businesses into the heart of Shropshire creating new opportunities for local businesses and the community and making Oswestry an even better place for business."

Hadleigh Works will be a commercially run co-working facility with businesses paying a monthly subscription.

Councillor Ed Potter, Shropshire Council cabinet member for economic growth said the council was utilising its Covid-19 Additional Recovery Grant for a number of innovative business support projects.

He said: “This exciting new project will revitalise the Memorial Hall while providing a new and interesting workplace in the centre of Oswestry where businesses will benefit from a great business environment as well as all the town has to offer right on their doorstep."

Details on how to sign up to the Hadleigh Works membership deals are available by calling 07444 422185, by emailing info@hadleighworks.com or visiting the ‘register your interest’ web page at https://hadleighworks.com/