AN enterprise hub for start-up and small businesses will be opening next month.

Work at Over Darwen House was due to open in Railway Road in January, but after workmen found damp areas in parts of the building this was delayed.

However it is now hoped tenants will be able to move in on Monday, May 1, in time for an official launch party which is planned for Wednesday, May 24.

The hub, which has moved into the unit where the Co-op Bank used to be, will offer flexible work space for budding entrepreneurs who are looking to start or advance their businesses.

A team of seven experts in a variety of areas will be on hand to offer support to tenants.

Katherine Lucarz, project lead, said: “We cannot wait to get the place open.

“We have had so much support from the town and everyone seems to really want to get involved.

“We are currently going through applications from businesses and will hope to announce some tenants in the next week.”

The initiative by the Livesey Foundation, which is also behind the Darwen Heritage Centre at Holker House, was created to support business growth and job creation in the town.