Innovative workspace Gusto House opened in Collingham by Mister Wumble, a tortoise and celebrity chef Henry Firth from BOSH TV
An innovative new workspace that utilises environmentally friendly-technology has been opened by some special guests, one of whom quite literally came out of their shells.
Gusto House in Collingham's Green Way was opened by a tortoise named Mister Wumble with the assistance of celebrity chef Henry Firth from Bosh TV.
The ribbon was made from kale and coated in cucumber juice, but Mister Wumble delighted everyone when he decided to instead celebrate the opening by karate-chopping the decoration.
The unorthodox ceremony was a lot of fun and amused the crowd as the ribbon chopping from Mister Wumble marked the official opening of the structure.
The facility will offer a new co-working and office space, including business growth events and programmes encouraging networking.
There is also an on-site cafe called The Allotment and there could potentially be an onsite gym/creche coming later this year.
"I think if I had to describe what Gusto House is and wants to be, it is a modern, forward-thinking, innovative space that really appreciates community and vintage values," said Rosa Glover, Gusto House's business development manager.
"We have local produce, local people, local skills, that is important to us — essentially, we ask, how do we foster a sense of community in this space?"
"We want people to feel like they own it and they can bring ideas to us, they can run workshops, they can be part of our programmes.
"We want them to feel that it is much more than a co-working space.
"Any suggestions that you want to bring to the table, we are here and willing to hear them."
"I am very honoured to be invited to the opening of Gusto House," said celebrity chef Henry Firth.
"It was great to be involved in cutting the ribbon, even though the tortoise cut the ribbon.
"It is great to see a community-driven central hub for the wonderful place of Collingham that focuses on building businesses, encouraging entrepreneurs, and serving plant-based food.
"It is very inspiring to see what the Gusto Group has done here."
"It is an exciting concept," said Gusto chairman Steff Wright.
"The interesting thing is always seeing how the community responds to a project.
"We build developments that bring people together and encourage people to engage in a community.
"I have no idea what this community at Gusto House will look like in the future but I think it will inspire people to grow.
"I would love to see young entrepreneurs in this building.
"I love working in construction because you build something, you see it and you appreciate the physical buildings but the real satisfaction is seeing the communities that those buildings create, and develop."
