30 Jul Ocean Studios opens at the Royal William Yard

Today has seen the completed transformation of the Grade 1 Factory Cooperage Building, at the Royal William Yard into Ocean Studios.

Ocean Studios is a Community Interest Company whose aim is to provide affordable studios for over 100 artists, by providing unique managed workspaces. In addition it will also have two education spaces, which will host workshops, seminars and conferences as well as an exhibition/retail space that will provide opportunities for artists to sell their work.

Over 40 artists, designers and craftspeople are moving into the new building for the first exhibition, which will include work by Grayson Perry, Gillian Wearing and Mary Kelly. A new piece from Turner Prize-winning sculptor Richard Deacon, will also be featured called ‘Bronze Skin’.

The £4m project has been funded through a range of organisations including £2m provided by the European Regional Development Fund as well as contributions from Plymouth City Council, Growing Places, Heart of the South West LEP and English Heritage.

It is believed that the project will create 100 new jobs in one of Plymouth’s most deprived areas and contribute significantly to the local economy through increased visitors and retaining artistic talent in the city.

Ward Williams Associates have provided project management, quantity surveying and CDM services throughout the duration of the project and were instrumental in securing the funding required to make the project a reality.

Nick Andrews, WWA Director, commented: ‘Ocean Studios is a fantastic addition to the Royal William Yard and to Plymouth as a whole. It will assist in the regeneration of the area as well as engaging the local community in the arts”.

“This project reflects our continued work in the heritage and conservation sectors, where we have also provided services on the new Melville Hotel and Fort Bovisand redevelopment”.