A CONTROVERSIAL new enterprise centre has officially opened in Kendal town centre.

Liberal Democrat-run South Lakeland District Council came under fire from the opposition Conservative party after revealing plans to spend more than half-a-million pound of taxpayers' money on buying and refurbishing the former Connexions building, next to The Brewery.

The centre, called MintWorks, is aimed at supporting start-ups and small businesses. All of its ten units are filled, with many creative and high-end businesses.

At its grand opening on Friday, council leader Peter Thornton said the 'gamble had paid off'.

He said: "Not everyone thought the council should be doing this and there was considerable opposition.

"We feel that this is what a council should do.

"We have got two big targets, 1,000 new homes and 1,000 new jobs in the next ten years. If we set these targets we cannot just sit back and let other people deliver them."

The project has been led by Invest in South Lakeland, SLDC’s economic development team, which supports inward investment and economic growth.

The building offers modern, flexible office premises and brings back into use a long-empty prominent building in the town centre.

Tenants pay rent to the council and it is expected that after three to four years the authority may begin to see a return on their investment.

The new name has associations with the world-renowned Kendal Mint Cake, and complements a growing portfolio of business premises in Kendal, such as The Factory, Pixel Mill and Bridge Mills.

Refurbishment work started in September and has included new windows, car park improvements, and a full internal revamp and modernisation.

Among the new tenants is business development, marketing and social media consultancy PS Business Matters Ltd, run by directors Paula Scott and Justin Grammer.

Justin said: "Working from our spare room at home was starting to hold us back so this opportunity has come along at just the right time for us.

"Being based in great quality, purpose-built offices in the centre of town will help PS Business Matters to grow."

Cllr Jonathan Brook, SLDC portfolio holder for Innovation and Improvement, said: "The local business community has embraced the idea and these plans are a direct response to the increasing need for more high quality and flexible business accommodation in Kendal. Many businesses tell us they struggle to find appropriate office space in a central location, which is directly impacting on their potential for expansion.

"This project presents exciting opportunities to rural businesses, start-ups and micro-businesses that might be looking to branch out, expand or relocate to South Lakeland."

South Lakes MP Tim Farron helped open the building and said: "This is a result of vision and the council taking a decision that was a bit controversial but which has proved right.

"It is a project which is full of talent, creative industries and entrepreneurs who are on their way up.

"In many ways we wish them all the success that they leave here quite quickly and are replaced."