Trading pints for paperwork at Toddington’s new business hub on site of ex-pub

A new business hub is set to open its doors in the heart of Toddington this summer at the former Angel pub.

The Luton Road pub was acquired on December 23, 2019, by the TDM Pension Scheme after being on the market since April 2017.

In recognition of its history, the new facility is to be called Angel Business Centre, with TDM Pension Scheme trustee, Geoff Vaughan, insisting that the project is as much about restoration as it is renovation.

He said: “The Angel Business Centre is being sympathetically refurbished maintaining its aesthetic qualities in keeping with the village centre whilst changing its purpose to provide a boost to the local economy.”

Work is currently underway to return the building to its original layout, creating an open, lofty feeling with additional light, which is conducive to a more productive working environment. Once completed a potted history of the building will be displayed within the reception area to acknowledge the building’s journey through time.

Mr Vaughan added: “Toddington has been identified as a growth area which needs to be serviced by additional office facilities and we are delighted that Central Bedfordshire Council has given the necessary permission to do just that.”

The estimated completion date of the project is the end of June 2021 with two of the spaces already occupied by local businesses Industrial Communication Products Ltd (ICP) and Alpha-IP Ltd.

Having lived and worked in the village for a number of years, ICP chief executive officer, Graham Bull, understands the importance of the centre to the local business landscape.

“Established over 10 years ago, ICP is an important company within the UK industrial communications sector and this new office space will support our continued growth.

“As a local resident and business owner I am pleased to be part of something that puts Toddington firmly on the map.”

On completion, the Angel Business Centre will feature seven rentable units and a meeting room to allow for further networking opportunities. Parking with electric charge points and bike racks will be available for tenants. The remaining units will be available from the end of June 2021 with heating included in the rent.

The pandemic has had many implications for the way people live and work. Mr Vaughan said: “As we gradually return to a new normal, the Angel Business Centre’s location is ideal as it is just one mile from Junction 12 of the M1 between Luton and Milton Keynes.

This makes it practical for companies who are looking to shorten their commute by opening a satellite office at a strategic point or for local businesses who wish to remain based in the village and expand.”

For more details on Angel Business Centre contact Geoff Vaughan on 07775 738457.