North Devon Council is inviting people to explore a brand‑new creative hub in the heart of Barnstaple, as it opens the doors to 36 and 37 Boutport Studios for two open days.
Following extensive redevelopment works, the buildings will be open to visitors on
- Wednesday 15 April
- Thursday 16 April
Council officers will be on hand on both days from 10 am to 3 pm to show people around the new studios and workspaces and answer questions.
The open days are aimed at individuals, organisations and businesses working within 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.
36 Boutport Street will become 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.
37 Boutport Street is a new‑build development with 9 individual workshops on the ground floor and housing units above.
The project forms part of the council’s wider Market Quarter project providing a new creative hub for North Devon, in the heart of Barnstaple historic town centre.
The development at 36 and 37 Boutport Street 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.
The Market Quarter project was developed following extensive consultation with local people, the business community and partner organisations, as part of the council’s wider Barnstaple Vision initiative, which sets out a long‑term vision for the future of the town.
Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council, 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.