The government is calling for bids to manage 20 empty public buildings totalling 200,000 sq ft and provide start-up companies with support and advice about moving in.
Interested parties can register their interest at www.contractsfinder.businesslink.gov.uk until 29 June 2012.
The government says it will work with landlords to offer as much space as possible to small businesses at as low a cost as possible.
Business and enterprise minister Mark Prisk said: “Opening up areas that are not being used will give entrepreneurs access to the space they need to start and grow.”
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude added: “This government saved over £100m in the last financial year alone by getting a tight grip on government property and using space more efficiently. In some cases it’s not possible to sell a building or exit a lease immediately when the space is no longer needed.
“Rather than letting these buildings sit empty at the taxpayers’ expense, we are making this space available to SMEs. This is an innovative measure that will support British business.”
The buildings are:
• 77 Paradise Circus, Birmingham.
• Colchester Harbour House, Colchester.
• Unit 1-2, Webb Ellis Business Park, Rugby.
• Crewe Nantwich House, Crewe.
• The Berkeley Centre, Berkeley.
• 25 Queen Street, Leeds (pictured).
• Albion House, Bedford.
• Nottingham Business Park, Nottingham.
• Riverside House, Northampton.
• Burgner House, Unit 4630 Kingsgate, Oxford.
• Blenheim Court, Peterborough.
• Unit 4, The Meadows, Waterlooville.
• Connect House, Wimbledon, London.
• Castle View House, Runcorn.
nick.whitten@estatesgazette.com
