Former Victorian offices are to be transformed into a business hub for young people following a huge seven-figure investment.

Swale council are to fork out £1.5m to bring the newly-refurbished Masters House, in Trinity Road, Sheerness back to life after agreeing on a new occupant for the site.

Young people aged 18-30 will now be able to use the enterprise hub for their business ideas, with the first cohort expected in the coming months.

The council has joined forces with Launch It – a group of charities who aim to empower young people to fulfil their potential by providing the support needed to start a business.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chairman of the regeneration and property committee at Swale council, believes the new centre will also help Sheerness Town Centre.

The Swale Independents’ representative for West Downs ward said: “When we decided to renovate Masters House, we were determined it would be used to create economic activity in the town centre.

“Working with Launch IT will mean the building will be used to help young people in the area develop skills and have access to opportunities which would otherwise be out of reach.

“They have considerable experience running enterprise centres in economically challenged communities for more than 23 years, and a strong track record of encouraging young people in these areas to start and grow businesses.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing them get started and it will be exciting to see what local young people can achieve when they’re given the opportunity and support.”

The council have described the building as “a high quality modern working environment.”

It now offers a combination of small and large offices, an exhibition style function hall and meeting spaces.

The refurbishment has also seen a new lift and a suite of new kitchens and toilets installed.

The council’s investment was used as match funding to help secure £20m from the government’s Levelling Up Fund to improve health, education, leisure, and employment opportunities in Sheerness.

CEO of Launch It, Pat Shelley, added: “We cannot wait to open the doors to young entrepreneurs at Masters House over the coming weeks.

“We believe it is the perfect place to ignite passion and give local young people the chance to gain skills, access support and build a business for themselves.

“There is also a great need for what we do.

“There are a lot of talented young individuals living in less favourable social and economic circumstances who are prevented from reaching their full potential.

“This has a knock-on effect on society, with a less productive workforce, lower levels of innovation, and ultimately slower economic growth.”

The charity has supported more than 11,000 young people in starting or growing businesses in the UK during the last 23 years.

They will also offer business and pastoral support with accredited on-site enterprise managers assisting each individual through their journey, with volunteer mentors also sharing knowledge.