Charities and voluntary groups have been urged to take advantage of a new centre in Hounslow, offering them affordable office space for rent.

Facilities at the recently completed CAN Mezzanine Hounslow, on the top floor of Hounslow library, include 100 desk spaces, meeting rooms and conference spaces.

The 8,500 sq ft space, within the Treaty Centre, in Hounslow High Street, is available for voluntary, community and not-for-profit groups from across the borough to rent at affordable rates.

The £2 million centre was designed to help voluntary groups work together, sharing office costs like printing, photocopying, postal and telephone services.

It was paid for by Hounslow Council, with support from the Big Lottery's Transforming Local Infrastructure Fund, and is managed by CAN, a national charity supporting social sector organisations.

Councillor Pritam Grewal, cabinet member for communications and communities, said: "It is important to help local voluntary and charitable groups deliver vital services and connect with our communities, particularly when some people are reluctant to deal directly with the local authority.

"So making sure they have good quality facilities where they can work without it costing them the earth is essential."

* Social enterprises, charities or voluntary organisations delivering services in the borough can learn more about the centre by calling Gary Phillips on 020 7250 8047 or emailing g.phillips@can-online.org.uk