First image of Train 2000 women’s centre unveiled
The first image of the £5.3m Women's International Centre for Economic Development opening in Liverpool has been released by Train 2000.
The 20,000 sq ft scheme is for economic development and is being planned to be built in the Baltic Triangle on the corner of St James Street and Norfork Street, near to the Novas Contemporary Urban Centre, in the city centre.
It will also provide a range of enterprise support services including space for up to 80 business units to help women start and grow their businesses.
Professor Patricia Greene of Babson College in America, who specialises in women's enterprise, said the scheme is "amongst the best I've ever seen".
Professor Greene visited Liverpool to review the plans in May this year.
Maggie O'Carroll, executive director of Train 2000, added: "In the 13 years since Train 2000 was set up we have shown how to provide innovative support mechanisms to accelerate the pace of creating and growing women-owned businesses and the WICED centre will only accelerate that process."
The new build project will contain a range of offices, training and conference facilities and incubator space for new businesses.
Work on the building which has been designed by the Liverpool studio of architect practice Nightingale Associates will begin in October and is expected to be completed in late 2010.
The Women's International Centre for Economic Development, the North West Development Agency, Future Builders, Train 2000, Liverpool Vision and Liverpool City Council, are jointly funding the project.
The centre will be operated by Train 2000.