New co-working space set to open in Derbyshire town

A new co-working space is set to open in Belper after receiving support from Marketing Derby’s Invest in Derbyshire service.

Reunion @ Hub Space, which has been created at The Old School House, will bring affordable, flexible co-working spaces to the town.

The scheme has come about thanks to a partnership between start-up business Reunion and Chevin Fleet Solutions.

Tracey and Ashley Sowerby, from Chevin, first renovated the building back in 2012 – and it has since been home to their business, and another called Creative Holistic Space.

However, when working from home started to become the norm due to the pandemic, Chevin took the opportunity to rethink the use of its office space.
And when Tracey realised that Reunion was looking for a space for its co-working plans, she contacted founder Jo Black.

Tracey said: “We have a modern, top spec office environment that currently is not being fully utilised.

“We thought it would be a great fit to work with Reunion, who can make great use of the space and open it up to people that need it.”

Jo, who is also a director at Reunion, had been searching for an appropriate location for her community deli and co-working business, but had several setbacks in finding a site that would be suitable.

Reunion had recently acquired 23 Strutt Street, the site of former deli Fresh Basil, but knew that the space would not be appropriate for its co-working members.

Jo said: “We are delighted to be working with Tracey and Ashley at The Old School House.

“It is truly a wonderful heritage building that’s a real asset to Belper, combined with all the facilities that you’d expect in a modern office.”

The partnership will enable remote workers, entrepreneurs, small business owners and freelancers to have an affordable, flexible space to work from that is close to their homes.

The co-working space will be partly shared with Chevin, and will have high speed internet, modern desks and chairs, bookable meeting rooms, parking, bike storage and kitchen facilities.

Throughout the journey to create Reunion @ Hub Space, Reunion has received support from Marketing Derby’s Invest in Derbyshire team.

Since contacting the service back in October, Reunion has received ongoing business start-up support, including funding information introductions to investors, industry bodies, like-minded businesses, Local Enterprise Partnerships, suppliers, contractors and architects.

Adam Rodgers, inward investment executive at Marketing Derby, said: “We are extremely pleased to be providing ongoing support to Jo’s fantastic idea of a flexible co-working space and new deli in the centre of Belper.

“The modern space, located in the beautiful, historic market town at the heart of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, will offer a new unique opportunity to the local residents of Belper and Amber Valley.

“I’m confident the affordable workspace will be welcomed by the local communities and will be a great success.”

Reunion @ Hub Space will be open to booking new members in the coming weeks and is expected to open in May.

To find out more about Reunion @ Hub Space click here.