New life for Victorian gentleman's club

6 hours ago

Zara Healyin Lincoln

News image — Rachael Audrey Clark-Harris said her studio in the Barbican Creative Hub was like a "home from home"

BBC News A woman with brown-red hair smiles into the camera. She is wearing a blue denim jacket covered in fabric patches and a black and white dress. She is sitting at a table with a sketch book. Decorative artwork and lamps are visible in the background. — Rachael Audrey Clark-Harris said her studio in the Barbican Creative Hub was like a "home from home"

A Grade II listed Victorian hotel and gentleman's club has reopened as a hub for the creative, digital and cultural industries.

The building on St Mary's Street, Lincoln, had been empty since 2008, and now houses studios, offices and events spaces for established businesses, freelancers and start-ups.

The centre, known as the Barbican Creative Hub, has undergone a three-year, multi-million pound renovation.

Ben Anderson, creative and executive director of the Lincoln Arts Centre, said the hub would help to attract investment and opportunities to the county.

He said: "It [the hub] creates a space to say hello and gives moments you don't get when you're an artist working independently often at home or in a shed in a garden.

"We hope this place will become an exciting and prestigious home for creativity."

The Barbican Creative Hub was developed in partnership by the University of Lincoln, Lincolnshire Co-Op, and the City of Lincoln Council.

A wide-angle view of a large red-brick building with arched doorways and tall windows. The building has decorative stone detailing and multiple floors, with neighbouring shops on either side. A sign on the top left of the building depicts the University of Lincoln crest and the word "Barbican" in white text set against a black background. The sky above the building is overcast and cloudy. — The Grade II listed building originally opened as a gentlemen's club in 1867

In addition to the working spaces, officials said the hub would provide users with workshops, talks and skills development opportunities.

Rachael Audrey Clark-Harris, 46, creates art from mosaics and has a studio on the top floor of the building.

"My studio is an extension of my home, it's got things that make me happy in it and I've been able to put my own personality into the room," she said.

"I've gone from working in a dark cellar which wasn't ideal so to be here feels really wonderful."

Brayford Creative Hub An empty room with high ceilings, chairs and tables. Two large windows are at the far end of the building and three large circular lights are hanging from the ceiling. — The building was designed to encourage collaboration between the people using it

Work on the project started after a £19m government levelling up grant was awarded to City of Lincoln Council.

It was also funded by Historic England, the Town Deal and Arts Council England.

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