Tamworth’s newest business enterprise centre has been officially named in tribute to the first recorded employee in the historic building.
The new serviced office facility, set in a restored 19th-century building which was previously home to Tamworth Co-operative Society for more than 120 years, is nearing completion as part of Tamworth Borough Council’s Future High Streets Fund regeneration programme.
Many original features in the Colehill building – such as an ornate staircase with decorative 3D tiles, parquet flooring, stained glass windows and a beautifully renovated cupola – have been uncovered and restored during the renovation.
To celebrate the building’s history, the centre has been officially named the Elizabeth Bradford Business Centre after Elizabeth Bradford, who is believed to have been the first person ever employed by Tamworth Co-operative Society in 1886.
Records suggest she worked at the Co-op’s first shop in Church Street, earning nine shillings for a 70-hour week, before the business moved to the much larger Colehill premises in 1897. On the store’s first day of trading on December 10, £3 was taken at the till – a figure that rose to £15 by the end of the first week. Within 10 weeks, Elizabeth’s wages had increased to 10 shillings.
Tamworth Borough Council is now appealing for more information about Elizabeth Bradford.
Councillor Carol Dean, leader of Tamworth Borough Council, said: “This building was home to Tamworth Co-operative Society for the best part of 125 years, so it feels only fitting that we take a piece of that history into the next chapter.
“We’d love to find out even more about Elizabeth Bradford – where she lived, how long she worked at the Co-op and what happened to her. It would be wonderful to hear from anyone who can help shed some light on her story.”
The project marks the second enterprise centre in the town and follows the success of Tamworth Enterprise Centre at Philip Dix House in Corporation Street, which has been fully let since opening in 2017.
The Elizabeth Bradford Business Centre will provide 14 serviced offices, ranging from 20m² to 65m², alongside shared kitchens, meeting rooms, and communal areas. While Tamworth Enterprise Centre offers small offices and flexible leases for start-ups, the new centre is designed for businesses at the next stage of growth, providing a professional, central location with modern facilities.
The Elizabeth Bradford Business Centre is part of Tamworth Borough Council’s £21 million regeneration plan, which aims to restore the town centre as a thriving hub for businesses, residents, and visitors.
Other projects in the programme include the restoration of historic Market Street properties, the creation of a new gateway to Tamworth Castle grounds, a flexible multi-use space for independent businesses near Middle Entry, and public realm improvements linking the town centre projects together.
Businesses interested in taking office space in the Elizabeth Bradford Business Centre or Tamworth Enterprise Centre can enquire via tec@tamworth.gov.uk. Anyone with information about Elizabeth Bradford is encouraged to email communications@tamworth.gov.uk
