THE £7.3 million refurbishment of Hereford's old Shell Store is complete, and the building has been officially opened by Government minister Robert Jenrick.
The Shell Store in Rotherwas could soon be home 25 businesses and create more than 450 new jobs by 2031, according to Herefordshire Council.
But its history is arguably more impressive.
It was first built in the First World War and was used as an ordnance site during the Second World War, with the women who worked there earning the name "Canary Girls" due to their skin turning yellow.
Much of the steel from the original factory has been refurbished and reused for the revamped building, and the iconic roof shape remains.
The 25 business units at the Shell Store will be alongside meeting and conference space and an onsite cafe, with The Marches Growth Hub, Hereford Enterprise Zone team, and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce providing support on site.
After cutting the ribbon, Mr Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: "This was a derelict brownfield site and behind was an incredibly historical building but one which was in extremely poor condition.
"I think what the team here have achieved is phenomenal.
"Half of the site [Hereford Enterprise Zone] is now full of business, that's created thousands of well-paid and interesting jobs for local people, and has created investment into the wider region as well.
"Of course we want to see more happen and we want to ensure that helps us to build back better from the pandemic.
"This building will play a part in that because it provides really high-quality space for businesses, it provides conference spaces, provides spaces for incubation of enterprises as they start their journey to, hopefully, bigger and better things in the future.
"I think the future is really bright for this site, I really praise the team that have made it happen, and the Government is here to support them in any way they can."
Here are pictures taken inside the Shell Store during Friday's official opening.
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