Start-up hub planned for Herne Bay

A new start-up hub is to be established in Herne Bay, Kent, after an application for the creation of the facility was approved.Kent County Council Property & Infrastructure has secured permission for a change of use of the first floor of Herne Bay Library so the space can be used as a small business start-up hub.A proposed refurbishment of the building, which is located within the Herne Bay Conservation area, opposite the grade II-listed Baptist Church, will encompass all three floors and consider lighting, data and heating upgrades as well as improved facilities for service users.The first floor accommodation in the main building has been declared surplus to the library service needs.This area and the building’s location in the centre of Herne Bay have been identified as suitable for a small business start-up unit developed and managed by Canterbury City Council.The library building is of archaeological interest as it housed the World War II civil-defence warden post.A condition of the permission is that the works must have no harmful effect on the building as a recognised archaeological site.