Worthing’s creative hub energised by grant

 Artists and creative professionals in Worthing’s Colonnade House are being powered on to success thanks to the support of energy firm E.On.

 The creative hub in Warwick Street has been a real hit since opening last year, providing studio spaces for people working in anything from digital animation to fine art and printmaking.

But, draughty windows and doors meant that energy costs to power the creativity were higher than they should be.

In line with Worthing Borough Council’s drive to improve the energy efficiency of local buildings, Adur & Worthing Trust, who run Colonnade House, contacted E.ON and applied to their Energising Communities Fund for a grant to make things better.

They have used the £2000 grant to install secondary glazing - with those behind the hub saying it’s made a real difference.

Clare Halstead, Creative Hub Manager at Colonnade House, said: “The grant from E-ON will be much appreciated over the colder months ahead.

 “Sussex Glazing Services did a fantastic job installing the windows and Colonnade House's staff team completed the energy efficiency work by draught-proofing the external doors, so we are ready for the winter.”

Colonnade House has three floors of studio spaces and two ground floor galleries, hosting a range of exhibitions and events.

In 2015 Worthing Borough Council made a successful application to the Coastal Communities Fund for £245,000 to refurbish the building and set it up as a creative hub.

Following the refurbishment, the building was leased to Adur & Worthing Trust, a local charity that supports arts and culture and is managed through a partnership between the Trust and the Council with a staff team of three, including one apprentice.

Colonnade House officially opened in September 2016 and by the end of the first year the ten studio spaces were let to people working across the creative industries, from animators to illustrators, and photographers to painters at around 80% occupancy.

With two ground floor galleries showcasing exhibitions by local artists and organisations,Colonnade House is bringing a creative buzz to the centre of Worthing.

 

For more details visit www.colonnadehouse.co.uk.