Pictured above: (Front Centre) Rosita Page, chairman, Harborough District Council with (Back L-R) Sue Smith, chief executive, Harborough District Council; Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd; Nick Carter, chairman, Prospect Leicestershire; Michael Rook, leader, Harborough District Council and Mike Carr, executive director of business services, East Midlands Development Agency (emda) at the turf cutting event to mark the commencement of works at Harborough Innovation and Business Centre (HIBC).

A turf cutting ceremony has marked the start of £4.2 million project to promote business and innovation across Leicestershire.              

The Harborough Innovation and Business Centre (HIBC) will help fledgling businesses set up and prosper, and bring about 180 jobs to the region.

It is being built on land at Airfield Business Park, on the outskirts of Market Harborough, after it was confirmed the project would not be affected by the recent review of Government spending commitments.

The turf cutting ceremony on Tuesday (August 10) was attended by a number of business and council leaders, as well as other dignitaries, who gave speeches to celebrate the start of building work.

The project has faced a number of challenges in the tough economic climate, but those behind the project fought to bring it to fruition, and in July, it was confirmed that full funding had been secured.

East Midlands Development Agency (emda) will provide £4m through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Sub Regional Investment Plan (SRIP) to complete the partnership project.

Developer William Davis Limited will contribute complementary work space as part of the project to the value of £1m.

Harborough District Council is adding £200,000, and will be assisted in developing the centre by Prospect Leicestershire, the economic development company for Leicester and Leicestershire, which worked with the district council to secure the funding, and select the contractor.

Once built, the Harborough Innovation Centre (HIC) will provide a base for new businesses, with support available to ensure they survive and prosper. 

It will also provide much-needed employment opportunities in the district, both during the construction phase, and also longer term as businesses move in and take on staff.

Cllr Michael Rook, Leader of Harborough District Council, said "I am immensely proud to be a part of this hugely exciting project. Hi-tech businesses which develop and grow using the centre will, within five or ten years, cluster and attract new wealth to this district. It will play an important role in boosting the potential of the area."

Jeff Moore, Chief Executive of emda, said: "Thanks to the commitment, perseverance and dedication of our partners in bringing the HIBC to fruition, this dedicated, modern facility will enable businesses to grow and create the jobs of the future. This will boost the economic potential of Harborough as it moves away from its agricultural roots and builds on the manufacturing, distribution and service sectors that are becoming increasingly important to the area."

Guy Higgins, managing director, William Davis Ltd, said: "The turf cutting event marks the start of construction of this landmark, state-of-the-art business centre. The economic backdrop against which we have had to fight to bring the scheme to fruition has been challenging but it is a real testament to the co-operation and commitment of all partners that we can now commence with the build programme. We are greatly looking forward to witnessing the creation of the Innovation Centre and the future role it will play in the development of new businesses in the area."

Nick Carter, executive chairman of Prospect Leicestershire, said: "This is a significant day for Harborough and for the economic partnership. Prospect Leicestershire is very pleased to have been part of the combined operation that delivered this important facility that will help more people get the right start for their business and bring more jobs to the area. The project has been a great example of teamwork between the private and public sectors."

The project is expected to be completed in June 2011. 

When complete, the centre will boast 60 offices, plus meeting rooms and a number of 'hot-desks' for shared use.