Popular community arts centre seeks permission to expand

7:00pm Wednesday 27th August 2008

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IT may be called Space 109, but this popular arts centre in York is set to expand because it isn’t spacious enough.

The community arts site at 109 Walmgate wants to double in size, by taking over a disused shop next door as well.

If approved, the move will enable the centre, which is a finalist in this year’s York Community Pride Awards, to accommodate more activities, provide full disabled access, and generate more income to fund its activities.

Space 109 founder Joanne Pullar said: “We need more space basically, to function properly.

“We’ve been there two years, and this would make it much better.”

Ms Pullar has applied to City of York Council for permission to redevelop a former tile shop at 107 Walmgate.

In a statement supporting her plans, she wrote: “Space 109, although popular, is not reaching its capacity.

“This is due in large to the present lay-out of the building and the lack of disabled access.

“This detracts from Space 109’s prime inner-city location.”

She said that, without the proposed expansion, “we are in danger of becoming obsolete before we’ve really got going”.

If the expansion gets the go-ahead, it will see the art studio almost double in size, accommodating still life, life drawing, and silk screen work.

A media room will allow for more music, digital photography and film-making; and a kitchen will help youngsters learn cooking skills.

Yoga classes can also be increased, and Tai Chi, pilates and dance provided.

Ms Pullar estimated the refurbishment and new equipment would cost £28,900 but would pave the way for increased revenue through room hire, which could then be ploughed back into providing free activities for members of the community. Ms Pullar founded Space 109 in 2006, after moving to the area four years ago. She felt there was a lack of community facilities where young people could do and take part in art, craft and drama activities.

Backed by local councillors, she transformed a vacant shop.

Her work was recognised earlier this year when a neighbour, Barbara Pettitt, nominated Space 109 for the Best Community Project in our York Community Pride Awards.

The winners are to be announced at a glittering ceremony in October.