Sneinton factory transformed into £6m creative centre

A former Victorian hosiery factory in Sneinton has been transformed into a £6 million creative industries centre.

The building on Dakeyne Street, named ‘Space2’, became the latest addition to the city’s Creative Quarter when it was officially opened on Tuesday.

It includes workshops, offices and studio units alongside meeting rooms and networking rooms.

Nottingham’s Dance4 and Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies will be the first tenants to move into Space2 once they complete the fit-out of their facilities later in the year.

The project was paid for by the European Regional Development Fund and Nottingham City Council.

And the refurbishment is already attracting acclaim, with the project shortlisted for a heritage and project of the year accolade at the forthcoming East Midlands Celebrating Construction Awards 2016.

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Picture: Dance4 will use part of the building as studio space

Councillor Jon Collins, Leader of Nottingham City Council and portfolio holder for strategic regeneration, said: “Digital and creative industries are very important to the city’s continued growth and development.  I’m really pleased that as well as providing valuable space to support our creative industries, we have been able to bring back to life a building which has a lot of history and character.”

While the majority of Confetti activities will remain at its city centre sites, the Confetti expansion to the new space is designed to create opportunities for training and commercial use.

Craig Chettle, chief executive of Confetti Media Group and Creative Quarter chair said: “The Dakeyne Street development is a fantastic new multi-purpose space that we are excited about being a part of.

“It will open up Notts TV programming to audiences and students – allowing them to witness first-hand the workings of a TV studio and will also create opportunities for training and commercial usage.

“It will be a flagship centre for the city and an exciting addition to the city’s expanding Creative Quarter.”

Paul Russ, Dance4’s chief executive and artistic director said: “It is thrilling to breathe new life into an old factory space to inspire artists, our local community and continue to place Nottingham as a cultural hub for the UK and beyond.

“Our new centre brings us the opportunity to extend our work in supporting artists and increasing public engagement in choreography and dance.”