Bluecoat leads the way for creativity in the city centre

By on May 7, 08 08:20 PM

THE Bluecoat says the success of its new retail and studio spaces shows the demand for city centre premises for creative businesses.

The city centre arts venue reopened in March after a £12.5m refurbishment - and, as well as its exhibition space, the complex now includes new retail units and studio space for artists.

Bluecoat business development manager Lynne Robertson said the facility had wanted to offer creative businesses affordable space in the city centre.

She said: "The response was absolutely amazing. It completely overwhelmed us. We had more than twice as many applications as we actually had space for, and the interest is still coming in. The demand is still out there for space.

"Liverpool has to be one of the most creative cities I've ever come across."

Clare Bates opened her Landbaby store on the Bluecoat's opening weekend.

The store, which sells work from North West designers and artists, as well as Ms Bates's own work, moved from smaller premises off Bold Street.

Ms Bates said: "It's great here in terms of footfall. With the amount of people going past thanks to all the developments nearby, it's a hub of activity.

"Customers can watch me working and they can commission things on the spot."