Explore Barnstaple’s brand new creative hub at public open days this April

People in Barnstaple and across North Devon are being invited to get a sneak preview of the town’s brand new creative hub in Boutport Street this April.

Following extensive redevelopment, the doors to 36 and 37 Boutport Studios will be opened for two public open days on Wednesday and Thursday, April 15 and 16.

The events run from 10am to 3pm both days and North Devon Council officers will be on hand to show people around the new studios and workspaces and answer questions.

The redevelopment of the historic Boutport Street buildings is part of the Barnstaple’s Market Quarter project led by North Devon Council, supported by £6.5million from the Government’s Future High Streets Fund, with an additional £4.4m match funding from the council.

Part of the work includes a new public walkway which will connect Central Car Park with Boutport Street and the creative hub.

At 36 Boutport Street, there will be a cultural space for artists and events, including a shared artists’ studio and a bookable function space on the first floor over the new bar restaurant on the ground floor.

Meanwhile, number 37 is a new build development with nine individual workshops on the ground floor and housing units above.

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The open days are open to all but aimed at individuals, organisations and businesses working in the creative and cultural industries who may be interested in becoming part of this exciting new development.

Visitors can simply turn up, view the spaces available and speak to staff about potential opportunities.

The council has said the new development combines the character of historic buildings with the benefits of a new build, ‘creating inspiring workspaces and the opportunity to join a community of like-minded creative people’.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, lead member for economic development and regeneration at NDC, said: “I am extremely proud of this project. It has taken a huge amount of hard work from everyone involved to get to this point. It is fantastic to see buildings with so much history and heritage being brought back into use in the heart of Barnstaple.

“We would encourage anyone with an interest in the creative and cultural sectors to come along to the open days and see the amazing spaces on offer!”

The building is expected to open fully in the summer, once phase three of the adjacent car park works has been completed.