Jobs boost for Yorkshire as SportsShoes.com announces £2.5m investment in creative and tech hub

SportsShoes.com has started work on the 10,750 hub, which will be called Unit 2. It stands close to the company’s head office and warehouse facilities in Shipley, West Yorkshire.

The investment forms part of the online running shoes, running clothing and outdoor gear retailer’s ongoing strategic growth plan.

Established in 1982, Shipley-headquartered SportsShoes.com offers customers more than 17,000 products from 150 global running and outdoor brands, including Asics, Nike, Adidas, Hoka, New Balance and Patagonia.

A spokesman said: “Unit 2, which can accommodate an additional 100 people over two floors, is being created by refurbishing an existing warehouse building.

"Once open, it will immediately become home to the company’s digital, marketing, commercial and management teams.”

The new hub has been designed by architects, building consultants and interior designers Bowman Riley.

The spokesman added: “Expected to be in use by the end of this year, Unit 2 incorporates collaborative workspaces, quiet working pods, a showroom, meeting rooms, boardroom, photography studio, kitchen and café.

“Externally, the building is being painted black and will feature stealth lighting. New windows are also being installed that will flood the internal mezzanine with natural light.”

SportsShoes.com managing director, Brett Bannister, said: “Our vision is to have a creative and tech hub that provides the very best environment for our people, brand patrons and suppliers to collaborate and enjoy.

“We are now going to make that vision a reality and deliver an outstanding facility that represents and reflects everything the SportsShoes.com brand stands for.

Mr Bannister added: “Unit 2 will play a fundamental role in supporting our continued expansion.

"We can’t wait to start working from it and welcoming our people, brand partners, suppliers and new employees to the building.”

The spokesman added: “As Unit 2 is being created by refurbishing an existing warehouse, it significantly reduces the level of carbon emissions during the process compared to a new build unit.

"In addition, the building features solar panels on its roof to enable the generation of its own power.

“Both these initiatives form part of SportsShoes.com’s intention of becoming the world’s most sustainable running equipment retailer by 2025.”

Bradford-based Peter Howell Facilities is undertaking the fit out while Cartner Property Solutions, also based in the city, is providing project management services.

In August, it was revealed that SportsShoes.com had joined forces with running shoe recycling initiative JogOn and logistics provider Evri to create a project that enables customers to donate their unwanted running shoes.

The £92m turnover online running shoes, running clothing and outdoor gear retailer has set up a special returns service with its two partners.

The donated used shoes are distributed in support of charities and non-governmental organisations in 15 countries. According to JogOn, around 18bn running shoes are sold globally each year and approximately 30m end up in landfill.