Social regeneration through innovation
The Innovation Factory in West Belfast is a dynamic redevelopment of the Mackie's site, a former textile machinery plant that was once a major employer within the area.
A big focus for the project was to generate close community collaboration to ensure that the site’s potential for social and economic regeneration was effective.
Belfast City Council wanted to forge community cohesion and create a sense of a shared future amongst residents of West Belfast. Part of their proposals was to open a flagship 55,000 sq ft innovation centre on the site of the iconic Mackies textile factory right in the heart of two communities, to boost the local economy by supporting the growth and innovation of local start-ups.
The aim was to increase business activity, create new jobs and act as a catalyst for further development.
Our initial involvement in the project was to provide support for funding applications and assist in the design and development of the business and operational plan.
In April 2016, we were appointed by Belfast City Council to manage the centre, which opened in September of that year.
- A space to work and to learn in business
As well as providing fully serviced facilities with office space, shared space and conference rooms, Innovation Factory (IF) offers Belfast’s growing community of innovators, start-ups and SMEs full support to grow their businesses including mentoring from the centre’s in-house Manager. - Promoting community and collaboration
From day one, businesses in the centre have been motivated to embrace networking, from workshops to social events, and as a result have created a cohesive, collaborative environment. - Giving back to the community
IF also encourages business customers to be active in the local community, which is why the team includes a community engagement office, whose role is to inspire big ideas and activities for the local area. Ideas include the "What IF” initiatives like the “Buy-Local’ policy - cross-community events for local school children and interview masterclasses for the long-term unemployed.
- An environment that breeds growth and employment
Many of the businesses that moved in when the IF first opened have since expanded and scaled up to bigger workspaces within the building, creating additional jobs and playing a greater role in the local economy. - Support, mentoring, and business advice
Our team offers businesses in the centre free growth mentoring and collaborates with organisations including INI, Techstart NI and Ulster and Queens Universities to provide workshops and events. - Award-winning building designed and built to BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating
The design utilised natural materials, maximises natural light and achieved excellent acoustic and air permeability performance. Energy-efficient and complex smart technologies have been installed, and the building was awarded Sustainable Project of the Year at the Sustainable Ireland Awards 2016.
"Oxford Innovation Space understands our vision for a shared future in West Belfast, and their expertise has been instrumental in turning it into a reality."
"Oxford Innovation Space supported us throughout the funding applications and their contributions to the design and development of our business and operational plan have been invaluable.
By transforming Mackie's old site into a state-of-the-art business hub, we've been able to create an inclusive space that fosters community cohesion and attracts the next generation of business brains and entrepreneurs.
Oxford Innovation Space understands our vision for a shared future in West Belfast, and their expertise has been instrumental in turning it into a reality."
Innovators inspired
