THREE Worcestershire businesses have taken advantage of a recently expanded and highly successful grant scheme which has enabled them to convert redundant buildings into vibrant places of work.

All three applied successfully to the Redundant Building Grants scheme, which is funded by Advantage West Midlands and managed by Herefordshire Council on behalf of the Rural Regeneration Zone.

RKD Developments received more than £40,000 towards the cost of converting a Dutch barn, brick building and former cowsheds next to Cygnet Business Park, Hanley Swan, near Mal-vern, into offices.

The company will use two of the office units and the rest will be available for letting.

Bob Rudd, a director of RKD Developments, said: "The scheme has been of real benefit to us in helping us fulfil our aspiration of establishing a thriving business centre in Hanley Swan.'' Another project being supported is Worcestershire Resource Exchange, a social enterprise that promotes recycling, provides materials, advice and training for play and creative projects, and offers volunteering opportunities.

A grant of almost £9,000 is assisting it to refurbish an industrial unit, which will safeguard existing jobs and allow the business to expand its portfolio.

The grant of £44,000 will help to provide a nursery at Gaudet Luce golf club, Hadzor, Droitwich. The cash will part finance the conversion of an old stable block, providing 34 day care places for the local community and creating up to 15 new jobs.

The nursery project is the latest phase in the development for the club, which has already converted other buildings on the site.

Dorothy Coleman, programme manager for the Redundant Building Grants programme, said: "Until recently we have only been able to support projects in a very small area of Worcester-shire. We are now keen to support business creation and expansion throughout the county and want to hear from anyone wishing to convert a redundant building for business purposes. The scheme can provide up to 25 per cent of conversion costs."