AN OSCAR-winning businessman has today announced an ambitious plan to transform a former school into a collaborative workspace for the digital sector, micro-businesses and other tech-related companies.

Mark Crabtree, with his Burnley-headquartered company AMS Neve, has invested a seven figure sum into the redevelopment of the former Burnley Grammar School.

Mark has conquered the world in digital sound engineering, and with his partner David Walker, founder of digital marketing company +24Marketing, will create a new digital business hub which is likened to Manchester’s Media City.

Plans include creating several different ‘flavours’ of accommodation, from oak-panelled office space to modern technical areas.

The main hall will become a ‘super meeting space’ due to open as soon as possible and will then be used for seminars and other meetings, with the intention of bringing global tech giants Google and Microsoft to Burnley.

Workspace in The Landmark, which will open to its first wave of members and tenants in early September, will accommodate around 60 businesses of varying sizes - from the start-up micro with one person, through to established digital businesses.

AMS Neve specialises in high-tech recording equipment which has been used in numerous Oscar-nominated films, two of which have picked up the famous award.

Starting on Monday, the School Lane building, which dates back to 1559, will undergo a major refurbishment.

Mark, who was a pupil at the school when it moved to Byron Street, said: “It’s about transforming the historic, using our heritage and turning it into this future-proofed place where people will be able to support each other, established companies mentoring start-ups.

“Tech graduates from UCLAN Burnley and the college taking jobs there and digital talent from outside the area will want to join businesses in The Landmark or create their own tech company.”

David Walker, who first identified the former school as a suitable venue, said: “We will be able to speed up companies’ growth by having the connections Burnley businesses need.

“It will really help the business development process. This will be about creating a community, creating a family.”