Creative workspace hub opens in former glove factory near Bradford on Avon

An inspirational new creative workspace and cultural hub for small businesses based in and around mid Wiltshire has opened on the site of a former glove factory in Holt, near Bradford on Avon.

Glove Factory Studios features 8,000 sq ft of contemporary office, studio, café, meeting room and event space, set around an attractive courtyard overlooking open countryside.

The Glove Factory has been set up by designer Nick Kirkham in partnership with Alix Paver, a design graduate of Bath Spa University who went on to become Creative Director of The Partners, one of London’s top design groups.

Kirkham has considerable experience in developing contemporary co-working spaces.  Together with his brother, he set up Westbourne Studios and Great Western Studios – two of London’s largest creative workspace complexes and now home to over 400 creative designer makers.

Having relocated to the Corsham area, Kirkham and Paver both wanted to set up their practices in an inspiring building with good transport links nearby. They soon realised that the vast majority of spaces available for small businesses were above existing shops, or on bland industrial parks in local market towns.  What they were after was a more characterful building with industrial heritage, open plan spaces, in a strategic location, with good access and facilities.

Now the team is passionately keen to see similar co-working spaces thrive in the region, where creative and knowledge based businesses can cluster around shared facilities and a cultural hub.

“Research shows that there is a distinct shortage of contemporary, well designed co-working office space for small businesses in and around Wiltshire – something I’m keen to change,” says Kirkham.  “I believe inspirational working environments are hugely important to small companies, helping foster creativity, innovation and collaboration with like-minded businesses. With Glove Factory Studios, we’ve set out to create a very dynamic work space in a rural setting, yet with a distinctive urban vibe.”

Space at Glove Factory Studios ranges from serviced studios and open plan offices, through to meeting rooms and desk spaces hired on hourly rates.  Already, the site has attracted a number of dynamic small businesses.

“Glove Factory Studios is aimed at any small business or individual who likes the idea of working in a dynamic community of small businesses,” says Kirkham.  “We’re particularly well suited to businesses working in the environmental, IT technology and creative industries.  We are currently programming regular peer to peer talks and cultural events.  It’s all about helping people achieve a better work-life balance and thriving in an inspiring environment.”

To find out more about Glove Factory Studios, visit www.glovefactorystudios.com or contact Alix Paver on 01225 784080.