A CLASSIC car enthusiast has launched a fundraising appeal to provide workshops for the owners of small businesses.

Stuart Miles aims to net £43,499 through a Crowdfunder website after noting a lack of available working space in Dorset for craftspeople.

Initially, he wanted to rent the rooms to mechanics working on cars.

However, the idea proved popular with businessmen and women too, and Stuart said he has high hopes for the future.

He said: "It was originally about helping people who love classic cars but don't have a garage of their own to work in.

"But I also want to help people who need a workshop space for small businesses which have outgrown kitchens, sheds and garages."

Stuart had identified a site near Bournemouth Airport for his project, but it is no longer available.

He has now found a new location for his dream - a three-storey office block on the Ferndown Industrial Estate.

Individuals will be able to rent a workshop for £17 per square metre per month.

Stuart has experience as a car breaker, but wants to move into restoring vehicles.

"I need a little workshop and a bit of storage because I've outgrown space at home but I'm not able to afford a full industrial space," he said.

"There are all sorts of people like me in the same position.

"The solution seems to be to take a big industrial unit and convert it into smaller workshops, as well as providing shared facilities that might be useful to all craft businesses and small motor enthusiasts."

He said he aims to provide an "affordable solution" that will help to save British motoring heritage.

"So many cars from the 1950s, 60s and 70s have been lost to banger racing and many more have been allowed to decay over time," he said.

"It's vital to save what's left.

"The project is important as it'll allow people restoring cars to make noise without worrying about upsetting their neighbours.

"It'll keep the noise of restoration away from residential neighbourhoods."

Stuart said his planned workshops will have soundproof dividing walls and ceilings engineered to a one-hour fire rating.

Each will be individual and lockable.

A member of staff will also be on-site at all times to manage the building.

Although some of the workshops can be rented long-term, others will be available to book by the hour, half-day or full-day.

Businesses are also needed to sponsor the workshops and provide equipment.

For more information, or to get involved with the project, visit crowdfunder.co.uk/classicaandvintage