A refurbished business centre is hoping to be the catalyst for an industrial boom.

The new look Enfield Business Centre, in Hertford Road, Enfield, had a £500,000 cash injection and was officially opened by council leaders and deputy Mayor of London Kit Malthouse last night.

Speaking to business leaders from across the borough, council leader Councillor Doug Taylor is aiming for the centre to create 40,000 new jobs and says the borough should look back to its industrial heritage.

He told attendees: “Enfield’s history is steeped in technology and innovation, and there is no reason why Enfield could not be a hub for industrial pioneers once more, which is why through initiatives such as Enfield Business Centre, Enfield Council is committed to encouraging new businesses to flourish and prosper.

"We are here in a light, airy and contemporary space and I think it symbolises that Enfield is open for business.

“Enfield Council is committed to creating 40,000 new jobs in Enfield by helping people access and sustain employment, supporting local businesses to recruit, and by helping people increase their skills and qualifications.

“We’ll do that by continuing to create great conditions for business, help people find and keep jobs, support our local businesses to employ local residents, raise the skills and qualification levels of our population so businesses can find the experts they need in our borough and attract additional investment to Enfield and increase the number of jobs available.”

Mr Malthouse, added: “Helping the capital’s businesses to thrive is a key priority and supporting projects such as this one in Enfield demonstrates the reason the Outer London Fund was created.

“By supporting the local entrepreneurs and workers who use this space, we can create an economic hub for generations to come.”

Enfield Council was also awarded £1.9 million funding in 2012 from round two of the Mayor of London’s Outer London Fund, part of which has gone into refurbishing the dentre.  

The money has paid for the remodelling and extension of the ground floor to create the Lets Go Business Hub, better access and upgrades to IT.

The centre will also be home to Enfield Business & Retailers Association, Enterprise Enfield, North London Chamber of Commerce amongst others.