Architects Impression of SOAR Works

Yorkshire Artspace’s new purpose built studios at Knutton Road in Parson Cross are due to open this summer in partnership with SOAR (Southey Owlerton Area Regeneration). With due deference to Tom Dyckhoff’s weekly column in the Weekend Guardian, here are just some reasons why you should consider a move to The North.

Ups

The area is Sheffield’s response to the Garden City movement – inter war semis with gardens and lots of open space. The stunning new building is at the heart of a real community with proper independent shops (the potted meat salad sandwich at E Suck’s butchers is second to none), a friendly co-op and post office. A very tall and very charming local Bobby PC 658 Adam Wood, pictured, keeps an eye on things. Big skies, lots of light, leafy.

                             friendly policeman PC Wood

Downs

Admittedly a bit of trek if you live in Totley. Definitely yet to be cappuccino-d (or is that an ‘up’?).

Getting around

Huge numbers of regular buses including the 73 (20 mins to city centre £1.30), 83 ( about 25 mins to city center, 45 mins all the way up to Bents Green representing a lot of thinking time for £1.40) plus 53 all the way to Bradway and 97 to Netheredge. Free on-site parking and plenty of it. Located just off the Halifax Road it’s about 10-15 mins drive time for the 4 miles from the city centre, and a great location for all the artists in Hillsborough, Crookes and Upperthorpe. Not to mention ridiculously close to the M1 at Junction 35 (2 miles).

               Our very own Anita Lloyd at the Parson Cross bus stop

Time out

SOAR Works is a mixed-use development with offices and light industrial units and central atrium space for you to relax and mingle.  How can you resist the poker and old time sing-along nights at the Wordsworth Tavern? Not to mention Colley Working Men’s Club does great dancing/quiz/bingo nights with cheap booze. Good local walking and brilliant pubs in the neighbouring villages of Grenoside (home of the sword dancers) and Ecclesfield.

                  Sing-Along, Poker nights and the weekly pub quiz

Good for Artists

Yorkshire Artspace are currently already working with a number of artists in Parson Cross. We run a starter programme for early career artists who will have access to studio space in the new complex and we also run an annual residency programme for more established artists. The aim of both programmes is to support artists who are keen to explore and develop creative ideas by working in partnership with the people in this community neighbourhood.

The first artist who joined our Starter Studio Programme for Engaged Practice, Ruthie Ford, has used the local Parson Cross library as a temporary base to get to know the area and choose the people she will work with over the coming summer months. Her crocheted flowers, guerrilla knitware and pompoms will make an appearance on the streets of Parson Cross over the next few months. To view more go to Ruthie's project blog

Ruthie's Crocheted Daffodils at the Library in Parson Cross

Artists Steve Pool & Kate Genever are currently working with a number of the shop keepers in Parson. You can follow this project on the Parson Cross project blog

Parson Cross, the leafy suburb where teddy bears grow on trees

Glasgow based artist Lisa Gallacher has drawn together a group of twelve individuals from the S5 neighbourhood to create a collection of bespoke garments that will form a ‘fashion portrait’ of the area and its people. As Lisa says: “the ‘Made To Measure’ project is lead entirely by the people who live in Parson Cross. Ultimately, this work aims to capture the essence of life in a place from local people’s perspective”.

Lisa Gallacher's impression of a Parson Cross child dressed as a beagle - sort of

Property

Yorkshire Artspace will manage ten studio units on the top floor of SOAR Works each with wonderful natural skylights, steel sinks, radiator and extract unit. Facilities include free secure on-site parking, secure cycle storage, Reception service, 24 hr security, a triple height communal atrium space, brew points, showers and access to business services.

Studio sizes are from 34 sq m (365 sq ft) at £199 per month to 63 sq m (675 sq ft) at £367 per month, both plus metered utilities.

                Example of a 34 sq m studio at SOAR Works

For regular picture updates on the building's progress, follow us on flickr.

For more information on the studios or to download an application visit our Knutton Road Studios webpage or email info@artspace.org.uk

Lets move (studio) to Parson Cross

For more info

Visit the all new Yorkshire Artspace Website for more news and info...