Innovation Hub plans approved inside Medway shopping centre
A space to support start-ups and local businesses will progress after planning committee approval
Medway Council’s proposed “Innovation Hub” for the first floor of a shopping centre has been given approval by the planning committee.
Approximately half of the first floor of the Pentagon in Chatham will be transformed into a space offering office space and business mentoring for start-ups and small businesses.
It will share the floor with the authority’s planned Healthy Living Centre which has recently been allocated more funding.
The council says the Innovation Hub will also enable local businesses to access funding opportunities, and contribute to employment opportunities and overall economic growth.
Gradually, businesses have moved out of the first floor in preparation for the transformation of the first floor.
In their report, planning officers said the proposal would provide significant benefit to the area, increasing footfall for the shopping centre, and would generate a boost for Chatham town centre.
Due to the council being behind the application and the significance of the development, the application went to the planning committee on February 14 to be discussed and voted on by members.
The proposals received unanimous support, with councillors citing the value of bringing people into the town centre as well as offering start-up and small businesses important support and guidance.
"The location is ideal"
Cllr Eddie Peake (Lab) said:
“The location is ideal. It’s right in the centre, good use of the area, and I really think a hub like this could make all the difference".
While there is no deadline for delivery of the Innovation Hub, a condition of the approval is that work must begin within three years.