Flemingate sees opening of The Creative Lab
A new shared retail space created for artists and designers has opened at the Flemingate shopping centre in Beverley.
Launched by local artists Mikey Mathieson and Chris Kidd, The Creative Lab offers a platform for artists from around the area to exhibit and sell their work.
Artwork on offer includes pottery, paintings and sculptures, as well as goods such as locally produced chocolate, North Yorkshire honey, and handmade fashion accessories.
The first of its kind in East Yorkshire, The Creative Lab aims to provide a cost-effective space for both new and established artists to trade in a fully-staffed retail environment. The launch day saw more than 120 shoppers purchase items.
Mathieson said: “It’s been a fantastic opening for us. The reaction from the public has been amazing and lots of people have said that this is just what Beverley needs. We’ve started off with 30 artists, makers and designers and our goal is to increase that to 80 within six months. We’re really excited about the future.”
Kidd added: “Since we approached Flemingate they have been very supportive of the whole idea of bringing something that supports local businesses into this environment.”
Flemingate is home to high street names such as Debenhams, H&M, River Island, Peacocks, Superdrug, The Entertainer and Wilko as well as the multi-brand retailer Outfit, which sells clothing from Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Miss Selfridge and Burton.
David Donkin, property director at Wykeland Group, said: “We are pleased to support the addition of the Creative Lab. The space adds a further dimension to Flemingate’s retail offer and it’s a great draw for shoppers and visitors to Beverley.”
