The new home for the Alacrity Foundation has been completed following the £150,000 refurbishment of its headquarter building, by facilities support company Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi).
Owned by Newport Unlimited, the building in the heart of Newport’s city centre is to become Alacrity House and will home the UK’s next generation of entrepreneurs
The Alacrity Foundation gives young graduates from across the UK the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and establish new technology-based businesses.
Bbi was appointed to carry out the refurbishment by Newport City Council and Newport Unlimited, following a competitive tender process. The works have involved the complete fit-out of the three storey building, transforming it into a modern office suitable for up to 60 of the country’s best entrepreneurial minds.
The headquarter building is now a bright and spacious open-plan office, which is distinctly modern, while also retaining many of the building’s original features such as its vaulted ceiling, window frames, and stairways. The project was logistically complex, requiring specialist knowledge and equipment to complete the carefully coordinated strip out and minor demolition works. The fit-out also included the construction of new partition walls, new tea points as well as fully updating the mechanical and electrical systems. Four showers were also fitted to allow staff to cycle to work.
Steve Lesbirel, Group Managing Director at Bbi, said, “Situated between two such contemporary and impressive buildings as the Riverfront Theatre and the University City Campus, Alacrity House needed updating while still retaining its distinctive appearance.
“The building has been given a new lease of life and is now well-suited to the meet the needs of the Alacrity Foundation.”
Chairman of Newport Unlimited, Bill Mayne, said; “The Alacrity Foundation’s decision to base their HQ in the heart of the city centre is great news. I’m delighted that the building has been renovated so sensitively and no doubt it will provide a magnificent working environment. This really is a major vote of confidence in Newport as a place to do business and it is a boost for Wales as a whole that these budding young entrepreneurs will hopefully put down roots in the region.
“Entrepreneurs are increasingly recognised as the lifeblood of the economy and we have very high hopes for what these graduates will achieve in the future. Supporting business start-ups is key to driving the economy forward and regenerating the city of Newport.”
Councillor Matthew Evans, leader of Newport City Council, said: “I am proud that Newport will be the home for the next generation of entrepreneurs and it is fantastic to see this impressive building being used for such an exciting and innovative project.”