Somerset Rural Renaissance | Workspace Programme

Rural Regeneration - Supporting the Economy of Somerset

workspace programme leaflet The Rural Renaissance Partnership is responsible for allocating RR funds specifically for new workspace developments through the conversion of redundant buildings. The Somerset Workspace Grants Programme was established to help bring redundant buildings into productive use. This Programme will run until March 31st 2009.

Read more details in the Workspace Guide

Applications are considered at regular panel meetings
The Partnership has approved investments for the following types of activity:
Redundant Building schemes where a cost value gap can be evidenced, for employment uses. No more than 25% of grant aid will be available, with a maximum of 200,000 euros (approx £136,000) per proposal.
Feasibility Studies and Professional expertise to progress suitable projects. No more than 50% grant aid will be available, and no more than £10k per proposal

The following Workspace Strategic Principles guide allocation of the funds:

Re-using previously developed land and buildings

Supporting rural regeneration, diversification and growth

Developing sustainable communities where the approach is to reduce the need to travel

Promoting quality, linked to achievement of sustainable construction principles

Supporting the priority sectors of food and drink, tourism, aerospace & advanced engineering, environmental technologies and creative industries together with access to ICT infrastructure within workspace schemes.

Key Areas For Development Of Workspace
Applications are invitedfrom anywhere within the County except the towns of Taunton, Bridgwater or Yeovil. There are some areas within the five districts that do not benefit from major road communications and these have been identified as priority areas for support

Read more details in the Workspace Guide, Somerset Workspace Guidance, and the SWRDA guidance for the conversion of redundant rural buildings (Appendix 13) .

RR Workspace Programme
The list below shows just some of the businesses that the Workspace Programme has helped and benefited.

Rural Renaissance Workspace Programme
Funded Projects

There are also two other programmes which feature as part of the Rural Renaissance programme scheme. These are:

Workspace Barn Project Access to Services Programme, and

Rural Renaissance Main Programme.

Have a question about the Workspace programme?
If you would like to know more about the Somerset Workspace programme then why not send us an email or use our contact form found on our contact page.