A Nottingham education, training and mentoring organisation has been provided with a dedicated space to work after the owner of the former Boots Island site stepped up in its hour of need.
The Conygar Investment Company PLC has provided subsidised office space for TBAC Consultants – which delivers education, training and mentoring for young people in Nottingham – after the lease expired on the organisation’s previous home in Carlton.
TBAC’s team of tutors, teaching assistants and mentors now occupy a permanent office space on the Manvers Road side of the site. It provides students – many of whom are special education needs and disabilities (SEND) and often from underprivileged backgrounds – with dedicated support, skills and vocational training to equip them for transition into mainstream school, further education, apprenticeships and adult life.
Errol Brown, managing director and head of provision at TBAC said: “This space has been a godsend for our organisation. Our whole model is based around providing a space in which young people can feel safe and able to build their confidence, self-esteem, self-worth, resilience and provide the right environment to learn, so having to leave our previous premises left us in a tough situation.
“Fortunately, when we spoke to Terje, Chris and the team at Conygar, they immediately saw what we were wanting to do and how much the space would help us deliver this. Now we have a fantastic facility where we can really help these young people and get them in a position where they can learn, develop and ultimately become happy, valuable members of society.”
Christopher Ware of Conygar said that the company was more than happy to help once they heard of the organisation’s plight.
“The work that Errol and the team at TBAC do to support young people in the city is phenomenal. After they reached out to us through our team on the site, we wanted to do everything we could to assist them and ensure that they can continue their wonderful work,” he said.
“The office space that was available is perfectly suited to an organisation of this size and scope, so it was a no-brainer for us to allow them to take up the vacant unit off Manvers Road as their new headquarters.”
Conygar’s plans for the 40-acre site received outline planning permission in April, with work expected to start on site in later this year. The company is working with urban regeneration specialist Lavignac.
The landmark development will see hundreds of jobs created, strengthening the local economy and helping to elevate Nottingham as one of the UK’s key regional cities for investors and employers.
Terje Width of Conygar said: “As with all cities, Nottingham needs organisations like TBAC that help ensure that young people reach their full potential, and we’re delighted to be able to support them by providing this office space.
“We’re looking forward to seeing them grow and continue to provide their great service to the city’s disadvantaged youngsters.”
TBAC Consultants works closely with local government organisations such as Nottingham City Council to provide young people with the support and tools they need to prepare them for work and education.
Cllr David Mellen, leader of Nottingham City Council said: “Conygar’s ambitions for the Island site are very welcome for Nottingham, and I look forward to seeing the site being brought to its full potential. It’s encouraging that the Island Site is being brought into good use, and I am particularly pleased to see the developers offering help to organisations working with young people in need of support rather than let the site sit idle.
“Supporting our young people into happy, fulfilling lives is essential to create a proud and prosperous city, and the developers’ engagement with local organisations should be cause for optimism across Nottingham.”
