A successful co-working space for freelancers has expanded following significant investment.

Wired Sussex, the support organisation for digital media, has bought a 50% stake in The Skiff, which provides workspace as well as facilitating events, workshops and meetups.

The deal, which was made for an undisclosed sum, has enabled The Skiff tomove into Gloucester Street, in the heart of Brighton’s North Laine.

Its new offices are twice the size of its previous location and include 30 desk spaces and two meeting rooms.

Co-working is becoming increasingly important to the Brighton and Hove economy as the number of freelance and small businesses continues to rise. The city is already home to The Werks, whose 6,500sqft building in Church Road, Hove, is believed to be the largest co-working space in the world.

Phil Jones, managing director of Wired Sussex, said the sector was “crucial” to the local economy.

He said: “We are really delighted to be able to support the expansion of the Skiff in this way. It delivers a truly valuable service to those working in the digital, media and creative areas in a style that is really appropriate for our sector. ”

Wired Sussex is one of the driving forces behind an £8 million plan to convert New England House into a digital media “village” for different sizes of business.

Mr Jones said the deal with The Skiff would help them decide what kind of accommodation to include in the scheme.

Jonathan Markwell, founder of The Skiff, said teaming up with Wired Sussex was essential to fulfil its expansion plans.