A FORMER disused gymnasium has been transformed in a new dedicated office hub.

The 5,000 sq ft space at College House Business Centre in Barrow has opened following six months of work to turn it into a premier facility called Barrow Instant Offices.

Opening the new BIO, Guy Davis, the chief executive officer of the London-based Hiltongrove, said: “This is a fabulous achievement for the team working at College House.

"When the idea was pitched to transform the space to offer anyone the chance to set up their business for less than £200 a month, I thought they were crazy."

But he said: "I have been proved wrong.”

John Cullen, the director of College House, welcomed the new addition to the building and emphasised the positive impact on Barrow businesses.

He said: “BIO will create a launch pad for young businesses currently working from home and needing to make the step up to having permanent offices, while at the same time providing short term office solutions for established local businesses.

"We are very excited to bring something different to Barrow businesses and are confident that this facility will become a part of Barrow’s continued business success.”

The new hub offers up to 50 dedicated desk spaces, fibre optic internet, kitchen and break out facilities, as well as a conference room.

The space will leased on a "hot desk" basis.

It was launched with a jazz band, caterers and 80 invited guests.

Mr Davis, who has strong links to south Cumbria, with his wife hailing from Broughton, first showed The Mail around College House in November last year to discuss his vision.

At the time he said: “I’m really excited about the future business and investment prospects of Barrow. Everything we’ve done is designed with the small business owner in mind.”

"John and I met with the council leader and chief executive earlier this week to tell them of our plans, and we were both very impressed with the council's positive "can do" approach to business and inward investment."

Mr Davis and his Hiltongrove company also bought the beleaguered Salthouse Mills last year.

The area of land has repeatedly been the target of deliberately-started fires.

It was listed on the market for £500,000.

The remainder of College House is already occupied.