THE UK’s biggest provider of flexible working space has opened a site in Christchurch.

BizSpace has unveiled Aerodrome Studios, aiming to provide space for entrepreneurs and small and medium sized enterprises across the conurbation.

Its two buildings at Airfield Way, Somerford, offer 27,800sqft of space, including suites, studios and workshops.

There are communal areas, 135 car park spaces and separate external entrances for the workshops.

The BizSpace site was officially opened by Christchurch councillor Mike Cox and the chef patron at the Jetty, Alex Aitken.

Emma Long, commercial director at BizSpace said: “Our centres offer high-quality workspace and a supportive community to help people start, grow and develop their businesses.

“With more people choosing to set up on their own or go freelance, demand for convenient, affordable workspace on flexible terms is growing. We look forward to meeting the Dorset SMEs and microbusinesses who will call this centre home.”

Cllr Mike Cox said: “Small businesses are vital to our local economy and, with this impressive new centre, BizSpace has created a place for them to grow and prosper.

“Christchurch offers an excellent environment for business, combining good transport and a friendly local business network with a high quality of living and scenic coastline surroundings. Our region is already home to some exceptional small businesses and I look forward to hearing the success stories that will come out of this centre.”

BizSpace has been offering office, studio and workshops to businesses for almost 20 years. Since 2015, it has been owned by the global alternative investment adviser Varde Partners.

Its target locations are the 233 towns and cities with populations of more than 50,000 and the more than 400 with populations exceeding 30,000.

It buys buildings with the potential for reconfiguring into flexible units that can accommodate a range of businesses and have the latest IT infrastructure.

Latest figures show it had 105 sites, 3,833 customers and more than six million square feet of office space. Ninety-five per cent of its sites are outside London.