Lancaster to create dedicated digital business space

Fraser House, an 11,500 sq ft building in central Lancaster is set to be transformed into a digital business space under plans put forward by Lancashire County Council.

The renovation plans have been drawn up by economic development company Lancashire County Developments, which owns the site. With renovation work set to start in November, the hub is planned to open in autumn 2020.

Fraser House is set to feature co-working areas and small modular offices on the ground floor, while self-contained office space will be provided on upper floors. The building will be fit with high-specification digital connectivity.

Lancashire County Developments is investing £1.9m to bring the development forward. Lancaster University and Lancaster City Council, along with local business owners, helped to co-design the space.

Lancashire’s digital, creative, software and computer science economy is worth £1.3bn in GVA and employs 36,000 people in the county.

Cllr Michael Green, cabinet member for economic development, environment, and planning, said: “There is already a growing digital sector in Lancaster and surrounding areas, so the renovation of Fraser House will provide a high-quality base for these companies.

“Our aim is to appeal to fast growing digital companies and start-ups, as well as providing co-working space and facilities where people can network and collaborate on projects.

“Fraser House will enhance our offer at White Cross and encourage this growing sector to use Lancaster as a base for their work.”