Plans revealed for new creative industry hub in former bus factory

Plans to turn a bus factory in Nottingham into a creative business centre and arts events space have been revealed.

A group of creative industry professionals are fronting a bid to turn 1 Fishergate Point on Lower Parliament Street in the city centre into a new facility aimed at the digital arts sector.

The building was originally used as a factory for Nottingham’s Green Line buses.

The FGP team, as they are known, include; nightclub operator and fashion and design tutor Ian Gardiner; Patricia Gardiner, community project producer; film producer Anna Griffin, local gig and events promoter Will Robinson; arts festival producer Lukas Cole; and Avarni Bilan, producer and digital marketer.

A statement from the team, said: “After identifying a need within the local community for a multi-functional, fully accessible and interchangeable arts space; Wigflex, Offshoots and I’m Not From London have taken on a 10-year lease for the Fisher Gate
Point building in Nottingham city centre.

“With key focus on the arts, the building will be converted into a multi-use creative hub, open to the entire community as a space to learn, create, collaborate and exhibit within. Digital Arts including music will be a particular focus in-line with
the Arts Council’s Let’s Create Strategy for 2020 – 2030.

“Made up of a main gallery space, music and art studios plus co-working offices and longer-term rentable offices, Fishergate Point has the potential to become the epicentre of Nottingham’s growing creative community.”

The plans could create 19 jobs if given the go-ahead.

Stephen Barker, CEO of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter Company, said: “We were delighted when we heard that a group of really influential Nottingham creatives with a strong track record were taking on such a great property at key location in the Creative Quarter.

“Their plans for a creative business centre and events space are very welcome indeed and another sign I think that it’s the east side of Nottingham, from Flo Skatepark up through Sneinton Market to Metronome that is rising fastest right now. It’s the place to be.”