Watford Borough Council’s transformation of an empty shop in Charter Place Shopping Centre into the town’s first art gallery pop-up shop has been a huge success with residents!
The art gallery pop-up shop is occupied by Hertfordshire’s Visual Arts Forum, who is exhibiting, discussing and selling their work. After a successful few weeks, with over 100 people visiting the shop every day and with over £2000 worth of sales, Watford Art Space is staying open until a permanent tenant can be found.
Peter Mitchell, Property Section Head at Watford Borough Council said: “We are glad that we are able to support local artists in this way. We are keen to encourage residents and visitors into the shopping areas of the town to increase their vibrancy and appeal to potential tenants.”
The shop is open for residents to browse a specially selected range of original and affordable pieces of art created by local artists. The opening hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11-5.30pm; Thursday 11-8pm and Sunday 11-5pm.
Margaret Cheal, Creative Enterprise Manager at West Herts College, said: “Some of our artists and tutors are exhibiting in the Watford Art Space – it is a fantastic opportunity for them and it’s great to be a part of it.”
The council transformed the empty shop with the aim of improving the shopping experience for residents and visitors. It is hoped that by improving the street scene, this will in turn support local retailers and increase footfall in the town centre, as well as giving residents easy access to art in a comfortable environment.
