An empty building in Shepton Mallet, formerly the Registry Office for Births, Deaths and Marriages, has been given new life as the town's first dedicated artist studio facility.

Somerset Council has granted local charity Interim Spaces the use of the office block, allowing artists to rent studio space for just £1 per square foot per month, including all bills.

Interim Spaces approached the council in 2023, and since then, the property has been converted into a hub of creativity. Closed since 2017, except for a brief period as a Covid walk-in centre in 2020, the building is now home to 15 artists and makers from Shepton Mallet and beyond. The studios have proven so popular that demand has extended as far as Frome and Bristol.

The artists currently based at Commercial Road Studios include jewellers, painters, graphic designers, and textile artists. Some of the new tenants include jeweller Tasha Angell, artist Alexandra Drysdale, and graphic designer Jake Cook.

In support of the project, local brewer Showerings provided refreshments, including Babycham and Brothers cider, during a painting and decorating day, with Farrow & Ball generously donating a palette-load of paint.

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, Lead Member for Communities and Culture at Somerset Council, expressed her support for the initiative, saying, "I am delighted that we have been able to support this venture which aligns so well with our cultural priorities. Our collaboration with Interim Spaces is a wonderful example of how working with partners can enhance what already exists, enriching our lives by recognising the impact and benefits of culture."

Dan Simon, Director of Interim Spaces, said, "We are truly delighted to boost the local artist scene in Shepton Mallet with these new studios, where artists can work together, innovate, and grow. Somerset Council understands the urgent need to create cultural opportunities here, and by granting us use of the former office block, we are unlocking potential for many local artists and designers who were previously working from home."

Artist Jack Greenwood, a tenant at Commercial Road Studios, added, "Having access to a local, affordable studio in Shepton Mallet is something I never dreamed would happen. It's invaluable to be part of a thriving art community. It has given my art career a boost and a new direction, and I think it's a great thing for Shepton Mallet as a whole."

Commercial Road Studios is located at 19 Commercial Road, Shepton Mallet, and offers 14 studios. The building has been leased to Interim Spaces for five years.

The new tenants include:

• Tasha Angell, Metalsmith @tashaangelljewellery
• Alexandra Drysdale, Artist @alexandra_drysdale
• Jake Cook, Graphic Designer @cookin.pixels
• Jack Greenwood, Artist @jackgreenwoodart
• Lucia Harley, Artist @lucia.harley8
• Jason Nosworthy, Artist @jpnfineart
• Amalia Page, Jeweller @apageofsilver
• Jessica and Nova Mattock, Artists @jessicamallock
• Miriam Sheppard, Artist @miriamsheppard
• Katrina and MacKenzie Sheldon, Jewellers @katrilee_
• Caroline Slater, Artist @carofineart
• Emily Stephens, Textile and Seamstress @darngoodstuff
• Lowri Whiskerd, Artist @lowriwhiskerd.studio

The new community was delighted to have the support of Showerings, a national brewer based in Shepton Mallet, who provided Babycham and their new range of premium Brothers cider for a painting and decorating day, with a palette-load of paint very generously donated by Farrow & Ball.