Transforming Liskeard’s Former Barclays Bank into New Hub for Innovation, Design & Wellness

Giving a new lease of life to a former bank premises by creating a hub for innovation, design and health.

The Boost team are delighted to announce the  purchase of a  former Barclays Bank premises in Liskeard, Cornwall which will become our new multipurpose facility. 

Boost Innovations, an award-winning design company producing breast forms for post-mastectomy and breast form wearers, has purchased the historic former Barclays Bank in Liskeard. News of our plans has been covered by BBC journalist Christine Butler, who joined the Boost team at the new site last week to cover the story. 

The imposing Grade II listed building, designed by Henry Rice, had been the home of banks for over 150 years until its closure in March 2023, and had once formed part of the financial hub of this significant Cornish market town.  Following a period of decline in its economy, recent years have welcomed a resurgence in the appreciation, importance and future of Liskeard. 

So why Liskeard? Founder, Samantha Jackman explains, “As our company has grown we’ve long outgrown the converted garage we have been working from, and there is a necessity to bring all our processes under one roof, including our design and production. When we started looking for property, Liskeard was a first choice as it’s a perfect location for independent and growing local businesses. We’re thrilled to take over this premises and save it from undeserved decline.” 

Samantha continued, “It’s a spacious premises which is a bit daunting, but it allows for room to grow. The majority of our customers are post-cancer care, and they deserve a safe and welcoming place to visit.”

“We’ll also have rooms that can be rented or used for focus groups as part of R&D activities, and this is very exciting as we can collaborate to support other local organisations and businesses to offer facilities as they grow. “

Chris Hawken, Design Director adds, “As someone who went to school in Liskeard and has close ties with the town, I am delighted that Boost has had the opportunity to purchase such an well-known building as our new HQ. We are not just manufacturers and designers of the Boost Breast Form range. We are constantly developing ideas and working behind the scenes on other design and innovation projects. This building will enable us to provide much needed R&D facilities for the business. “ 

Boost’s acquisition of the building was enabled by support from private investment and funding allocated from Cornwall Council’s Growth Hub Grants Programme. The Growth Hub Grants Programme is part of the Good Growth Programme, which is delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly.

Cllr Louis Gardner, Cornwall Council portfolio holder for economy, said “The Council is committed to enabling businesses to harness research and innovation to recognise and fulfil their potential.  This project is a fantastic example of how business growth can also benefit the wider community through local regeneration.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund 

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK by investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus. 

BBC links: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx28ndpm0n1o

https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0024jr4/spotlight-lunchtime-news-30102024