THE next phase of a development to turn Theatre Square into an artistic hub is set to be ready by the end of spring.

Work to transform the former Oxfam bookshop into art studios was completed at the end of last year. The next phase, which is to turn the building next door into workshops and an installation area, should be finished by the summer, thanks to a £1,000 grant from Swindon Council.

The development is from charity, Artsite which is also launching an Artist’s Cafe for artists to present and develop their work.

Artsite member Bill Cox said: “We are on two sides of Theatre Square now. The old Post Office which is now the Post Modern Gallery and the Number 10 studio on the other side.

“The Number Nine will be exhibition windows and an installation and residency area.

“We are going to be able to deliver a full range of cultural activities, from exhibitions to workshops. We have charitable aims which we are already delivering but these extra facilities are going to give us a real chance to deliver completely on our charitable aims.

“We would like to thank Swindon Council for their generosity in helping us put forward the cultural agenda in the centre of Swindon.”

Artsite works in partnership with Swindon Council through the Swindon Does Arts initiative to further the cultural life of the town.

Money from the council grant will be used to refurbish the water and electricity supply at The Number Nine, which was formerly The Merlin Gallery.

“We refurbished the studio area with our own money. The whole project has been ongoing since September,” Bill said.

“The grant money will just about cover the professional tradesman that we need to finish the job off.”

The Artist’s Cafe will be launched at the Post Modern on April 2 at 6pm. Visit www.artsite.ltd.uk.