A project to develop a new creative hub in central Weston-super-Mare has been successful in a bid for funding.

The West of England Local Enterprise Partnership, has awarded a £460,000 grant to North Somerset Council to support the purchase and development of the new creative hub.

The hub, which will be housed in the Badger Centre building in Wadham Street, will offer a range of facilities, services and support to enable local entrepreneurs in the digital and creative sectors to take the first steps in setting up their own businesses. Space will be let to these micro and start-up businesses on very flexible and low risk terms, plus support and mentoring will be provided to users of the hub to encourage the success of their businesses.

Local jobs including apprenticeships will be generated as the businesses grow and move on from the hub.

As well as the economic benefits of supporting start-up businesses, the hub will assist the council’s bold ambition to reposition Weston as a well-connected, quality location, identified as a good place to live and work, with a distinct personality based around creative arts and culture.

Following the funding award, North Somerset Council will start the process of purchasing the building and will begin to carry out refurbishment works, with a view to launching the first phase of the hub in spring 2017. A separate Community Interest Company (CIC) and Board will be established to develop and manage the hub as a not-for-profit social enterprise.

The hugely popular Heritage café will remain in the building and the Citizens Advice Bureau will also remain until the end of their lease in spring 2018.