Mayor Cllr Lynn Suddards officially opens new creative project space at Eureka Park

Ashford Borough Council are delighted to promote Hypha Studios, who chose Ashford as their latest location for creative development. Hypha, a national charity that provides a matchmaking service between vacant properties and local artists, have taken on a large empty office unit in Eureka Park, and subsequently awarded both Ashford Theatre Society and local artist collective Form & Thought free project space.

The once-vacant property is now a vibrant and creative hub, providing free rehearsal and studio space for over 30 local creatives including actors, ceramicists, painters, designers and sculptors. 

On Friday 27 June, Mayor Councillor Lynn Suddards and Sojan Joseph MP for Ashford visited the space to officially declare it open and to observe the transformation that has taken place since the two organisations received the keys.

They were treated to a tour of the space where they were introduced to many of the artists from Form & Thought, before Ashford Theatre Society highlighted the positive impact that having their new rehearsal space was having on them as an organisation; including having more time and space to create higher quality and larger-scale work, to produce more ambitious shows, as well as the ability to collaborate with other creatives and artists in the district. As part of the agreement with Hypha Studios, both organisations will be developing an engaging public programme of events to showcase their talents, which we will be sharing more details about soon. 

"We are delighted that Hypha Studios has brought something truly transformative to Ashford. By reimagining a huge empty office unit at Eureka Park into a vibrant creative hub, they’ve not only provided much needed rehearsal and making space for local artists but also sparked a wider conversation about the role of culture in placemaking. It’s a great feeling to give local theatre and arts practitioners a space to create new work. These two collectives, each with distinct voices and practices, now share a creative home where collaboration can flourish. The space now feels alive with possibilities! Hypha’s influence and efficient model demonstrates the power of culture-led regeneration. It has shown what is possible when private landlords, councils, charities and communities think differently about space. We look forward to keep showcasing this model to other landlords in the area, with the aim that all empty commercial space, where possible, is maximised for creative and community use." Chris Dixon, Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager, Ashford Borough Council.