| Project Id |
3719 |
| Project Name |
Hotwalls Studios, UK |
| Description |
In 2014, Portsmouth City Council were successful in securing government funding, via the Coastal Communities Fund, to refurbish the buildings at Point Battery and to re-use them as working artist/maker studios (Hotwalls Studios project). The restoration of these unique and important heritage buildings was finished at 2016. Parts of the complex date back to the 15th century and it is recognised nationally as a scheduled monument and Grade I listed building. The surrounding area of Old Portsmouth is where the city first began way back in the 12th century. There are many theories as to why the area is known as the Hotwalls but its association with artists dates back to the 1960s/70s when artists began selling paintings at Point Battery. This has provided inspiration for the project. Nowadays, the Hotwalls Studios creative quarter is a landmark development in the city of Portsmouth. The complex aims to provide an environment in which artists/makers can start and grow their business. |
| Description of the economic, social and environmental impacts of the project |
The Hotwalls Studio project has transformed the area into a creative quarter with 13 working artists' studios along with a commercial eatery. It has created permanent jobs, attracting 60000 extra visitors to the area and is supporting the surrounding business and visitor economy to provide a dedicated artistic and cultural centre and secure a sustainable future for this Scheduled Ancient Monument. The development of the site addresses the lack of affordable studio space and acts as an incubator for local start up artists, supporting the development of creative businesses in the city. In 2018 many of the makers and artists at the Hotwalls Studio have had national and international exhibitions of their work building on the growing reputation of Portsmouth as a creative vibrant city. The number of events and engagement have grown annually also thanks to social media. |
| Web links |
https://hotwallsstudios.co.uk/ |
| Country |
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| City size |
Intermediate cities (between 50.000-1 million people) |
