Hub, Sleaford
Rejuvinating the national centre for craft and design.
Client
North Kesteven District Council
Value
£1.2m
Services
Feasibility study
Concept design
Planning
Building Regulations
Tender Information and Analysis
Construction Consultation
The Hub originally opened at Navigation Yard in 2003, as ‘The Centre for Craft, Design and Making’ following a £2.4m conversion of the old riverside warehouse. It re-branded in 2011 as the National Centre for Craft & Design in recognition of its national portfolio status and position hosting England’s largest gallery space dedicated to craft and design.
In recent years, it became apparent to North Kesteven District Council and the operator that, whilst the centre is an important cultural hub in the heart of Sleaford, it needed to adapt to modern user requirements and the wider socio-economic environment. LK2 carried out a feasibility study and concept designs to reconfigure and extend the existing building, providing a welcoming CaféBar with terrace overlooking the river, a ground floor gallery and workshop spaces and a multifunctional studio used for local dance groups, music sessions and fitness.
The existing internal layout was reconfigured to create more efficient space and circulation for the galleries and workshops to operate. The upper floors of the building were converted to create lettable office spaces to generate additional revenue. LK2 lead the design process through planning and tender. Working alongside the main contractor we assisted with the successful completion of the building on site.
The project has been designed with the end-user at heart – providing flexible spaces that engage the visitor and accommodate a wide range of cultural events, sustaining the site as an important national venue for the arts and creativity. The building curates fantastic exhibitions from world renowned artists and makers, along with live performances and festivals, all on a prominent riverside location.
In February 2022, after only being open for 9 months, the venue was awarded 'Best Project Under £5m' at the Pagabo Awards.