Pictured:  A CGI of the new Nova Centre

Plans for a new office development specifically aimed at budding entrepreneurs and start ups have moved forward with the appointment of Croftshine as building contractor.

Keele University Science and Business Park (KUSBP) has selected the Newcastle-based company to refurbish a former farmhouse into 1,500 sq ft of office accommodation. To be called the Nova Centre, the site will be targeted at businesses that have been trading for 12 months or less and are looking for support to help them grow.

Caroline Mairs, head of KUSBP said: "We chose Croftshine as it has a very flexible approach and an excellent reputation locally. We hope that the development will be open by January next year and have already had some interest from graduates and entrepreneurs looking to expand their business and move into an office."

Newcastle-based architects Ellis Hillman will be working with Croftshine. Speaking about the project, Rob Mellor from Ellis Hillman added: "The building will be sympathetically restored to reflect the surrounding architecture and retain the farmhouse's original features such as the external decorative stonework and timber windows. Inside there will be eight contemporary office suites which will be refurbished to the highest standard including modern furniture."

Companies that move into the Nova Centre will join KUSBP's two-year business growth programme, which includes tailored advice on managing and financing expansion, strategy and effective leadership. The start ups will also be offered networking, investment, marketing and sales opportunities as well as access to all of the amenities on the Keele University campus such as restaurants and sports facilities. The contemporary office accommodation will be charged at a minimal starting rent.

Work is due to start on 3rd October 2011 and is expected to take 18 weeks.