18 new jobs on the way for Newcastle

18 new jobs on the way for Newcastle

14 January 2015

UP to 18 new jobs could be created as a result of a near £100,000 grant awarded to a Newcastle business by the Coastal Communities Fund.

The Fund — which is allocated by the UK Treasury to the Department of the Environment — supports the regeneration and economic development of coastal communities by funding projects that create new jobs and safeguard existing jobs.

The money has been allocated to Bayview Synergy Space, based at Central Promenade in the resort, which provides a leading edge approach to business working, providing those starting or running a small business with important operating advantages.

News of the near £100,000 grant was confirmed on Monday by Stormont Environment Minister Mark Durkan.

The cash will be used to provide affordable co-working and co-retailing space for small businesses from the creative and food sectors, with the project aiming to create up to 18 jobs through centre staff and support for entrepreneurs and existing small businesses.

News of the investment has been welcomed by Councillor Patrick Clarke. He said the grant will allow a project to refurbish the ground floor of a semi-derelict former care home in Newcastle to provide a shared retailing/exhibition area, two workshop studios and a prep-kitchen to rent which will help create and stimulate new jobs and promote economic development.

“The food sector is a very important part of the Northern Ireland economy and also is closely linked to the tourism sector which is one of the biggest areas of growth in terms of visitors and tourists coming to Newcastle, Down and Mourne,” said Councillor Clarke.

“The creation of up to 18 jobs for both new start and existing businesses seeking to relocate, will be a great boost for Newcastle through the provision of co-working and co-retailing space for small businesses from the creative and food sectors which will also benefit the Newcastle community.”