Home Cookstown Enterprise Centre Developing New Facility to Drive Innovation and Community Enterprise Growth

Cookstown Enterprise Centre Developing New Facility to Drive Innovation and Community Enterprise Growth

Cookstown Enterprise Centre will continue to strengthen its role as a hub for innovation, enterprise and community collaboration through the ongoing development of its new Fairhill Road facility.

Designed to bring together digital innovation, business support and community engagement in the heart of the town, the project represents a major investment in the future economic and social development of the Mid Ulster area.

Cookstown Enterprise Centre has long played a vital role in supporting entrepreneurship, community development and economic growth across the region. Through strong partnerships spanning the business, education and voluntary sectors, the organisation continues to deliver a wide range of initiatives supporting individuals and businesses at every stage of development.

A key highlight of the centre’s 2025 activity was the progression of plans to repurpose the former Jobs and Benefits Office on Fairhill Road, a building of significant local heritage dating back to 1940. Following extensive community engagement, plans are now taking shape to transform the space into a modern, energy-efficient hub focused on business innovation and digital development.

The new facility will promote the use of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, while hosting workshops, demonstrations and peer learning opportunities designed to support local enterprise and skills development. Strong interest has already been shown by community organisations, with a significant proportion of the space expected to be occupied.

Throughout the year, Cookstown Enterprise Centre also continued to strengthen strategic partnerships across the education sector, working closely with local schools and colleges to support STEM-based outreach. Through mentorship, guidance and sponsorship, the organisation has helped nurture innovation and enterprise skills among young people, reinforcing its wider role within the community.

Alongside this, the centre delivered an extensive programme of business start-up and development support, including mentoring, workshops, drop-in clinics and consultancy services for micro and small businesses. Engagement also continued across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, contributing to increased business confidence, improved employability and stronger local economic participation.

A notable milestone for the organisation came in February 2026, when Cookstown Enterprise Centre was shortlisted and named runner-up in the Mid Ulster District Council Best Social Enterprise Award, recognising the impact of its work within the local community.

Jim Eastwood, General Manager of Cookstown Enterprise Centre, said: “The development of the Fairhill Road facility represents a major opportunity for Cookstown and the wider Mid Ulster area. By transforming a historic local building into a modern innovation and enterprise hub, we are creating a space that will support collaboration, digital development and community engagement for many years to come.

“Our focus is not only on supporting businesses to start and grow, but also on helping individuals and communities build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in a changing economy. Through our work with schools, colleges, community organisations and local businesses, we are helping to create stronger pathways into innovation, enterprise and employment.

“Being recognised as runner-up in the Best Social Enterprise Award was a proud moment for the team and reflects the impact of the work being delivered across the area. As we move through 2026, we remain committed to creating opportunities, supporting local ambition and ensuring Cookstown Enterprise Centre continues to be a key resource for the community.”

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Cookstown Enterprise Centre Developing New Facility to Drive Innovation and Community Enterprise Growth

Cookstown Enterprise Centre will continue to strengthen its role as a hub for innovation, enterprise and community collaboration through the ongoing development of its new Fairhill Road facility.

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