The transformation of the former WW2 camouflage workshop in Leamington’s Spencer Yard has been completed with all the units now fully let to four tenants as part of the continued progress of the Creative Quarter.
The building, now known as 1 Spencer Yard, has been restored to provide modern creative offices by Complex Development Projects (CDP) in partnership with Warwick District Council. A new glazed extension on the roof has added a second floor to the building.
1 Spencer Yard is the new home of EDAG Engineering, LoudLocal, PO’Sh Creative and Lily Head Dental Practice Sales and Finance with around 50 people now working within the building.
The project is the final part of the £6m Spencer Yard regeneration project that was supported by grant from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund. Finance was provided by Frontier Development Capital.
CDP is working in partnership with Warwick District Council to revitalise Leamington’s Old Town to create inspirational spaces for the thriving creative industries to continue to expand and drive the area’s economy.
James Brookes, Senior Development Executive at CDP, said there had been high demand for this new office space for creative and digital businesses.
He said: “We could have let 1 Spencer Yard three times over because of the level of interest, which highlights the demand for office space from the creative and digital sector.
“We decided to keep the existing Old Dole Office building as structurally it was very sound, but extend the office space by adding a further floor. Our contractor Croft Building & Conservation has completed the work beautifully to create much-needed quality office space for local businesses.
“The Spencer Yard project is the first to be completed as part of the 10-year Creative Quarter initiative with Warwick District Council and we are really pleased with the outcome.
“It has brought three derelict buildings back to life to transform the area and boost the creative and digital sector to build on the town’s Silicon Spa reputation.”
Daniel Radigk, of EDAG Engineering Limited, said: “We are thrilled to take our Automotive Consultancy business into the Creative Quarter of Leamington Spa.
“Automotive Engineers at Spencer Yard are all about creativity, so this fits very well with our business. The EDAG Group is very much about environment, re-using, so the reusing of an old disused building like Spencer Yard sits very well with our company values and beliefs.”
Leon Hidderley of digital marketing agency LoudLocal added: “As we outgrew our cosy office in Kenilworth, we recognised the need for a location with excellent transport links, modern facilities, and room to grow. Spencer Yard fits the bill perfectly, ticking all our boxes. The opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded creative businesses made the decision an easy one.”
Nicola O’Shaughnessy, Marketing Director at PO’Sh Creative, said: “After nearly ten years of providing creative design and marketing in Leamington Spa, PO’Sh Creative is thrilled to make Spencer Yard our new home.
“This move is a natural next step for us, placing our team at the heart of our town’s Creative Quarter and offering the ideal environment for us to grow, collaborate, and continue producing fresh, innovative work. We’re very proud to be contributing to the growth of Leamington’s evolving creative sector.“
Abi Greenhough, Managing Director of Lily Head Dental Practice Sales and Finance, added: “Spencer Yard was the ideal office solution for our expanding team since it provided the modern workspace we needed for our flexible working needs, and being in the heart of the Creative Quarter has lifted everyone’s spirits.
“The fact we are just a two-minute from the station means our staff are using public transport and it is easy to host our guests.”
The other two buildings that formed part of the Spencer Yard project are already occupied.
The Grade II-listed United Reformed Church has been converted into stylish co-working areas and office space for award-winning independent marketing group Cogent called The Fold – which received an award at The Leamington Society Awards 2024 – while the SAE Institute has moved into the Old Nursery.
CDP, as part of their Creative Quarter partnership, is currently delivering the Stoneleigh Arms and Old School regeneration on Clemence Street/Court Street early next year and is hoping soon to announce further projects being delivered under the partnership.
