109 Walmgate used to be a black spot in the community. A council-owned shop space, it had stood unused and derelict since at least 2002. Drug dealers, drug users and street drinkers frequented the area. When Walmgate lost a Working Men’s Club and the Barbican Leisure Centre in 2004, there was an obvious need for a community venue. Jo Pullar, artist and local resident, decided to transform 109 Walmgate for this purpose.
Local councillors back Jo
Jo looked to councillors for Guildhall and Walmgate, Brian Watson and the then Lord Mayor Janet Looker (now Space 109 Patron) for support. They backed her idea and helped Jo develop a business plan. Finally, in January 2006, Jo collected the keys to 109 Walmgate.
Space 109 was awarded a start-up grant by City of York Council. This money went a long way thanks to a team of homeless people and ex-offenders who volunteered to give the shop a makeover. Space 109 opened for business in Easter 2006, with activities for local children and a drop-in session for local residents.
Tough times threaten closure
Winter 2008 was a difficult time for Space 109. Activities had proved so successful that City of York Council gave permission for extension into number 107, the next door shop, but funds were so low there was a serious risk of closure. A number of bids for funding were turned down. Then a ray of light: funding from Grass Roots and Attend.
From strength to strength
In Spring 2009, the wall between Space 109 and the shop next door came down and the venue was redesigned, giving more space and full disabled access. Space 109 now has two large rooms, an art studio, a media room and a kitchen. We host classes, workshops and one-off exhibitions and community events. Revenue generated through hiring out Space 109 as a venue now supplements much-needed charity funding.
Your space
Space 109 is at the heart of the community, encouraging self-expression through creativity, and bringing local people together. To see how, check our current activities and events in Newsflash and the Calendar