Browse Studios CIC is preparing to publicly launch a new creative, cultural and community space at 62-63 Prospect Street, part of Prospect Shopping Centre in Hull city centre, with the space fronting directly onto Prospect Street.
The project will see a former retail unit, which has stood empty for three years, brought back into use as a new home for events, creative workspace, cultural programming, community projects, independent business support and future plans for a community cafe.
Browse Studios CIC marks the next stage in the evolution of Browse, the Hull-based cultural platform founded by Mike White in 2014.
What began as an independent magazine covering Hull’s arts, music, food, culture and grassroots creative scene is now growing into a physical city centre space with a wider community purpose.
The new space aims to revitalise this part of Prospect Street, bringing a new kind of energy to an area of Hull city centre that has seen empty units and reduced footfall in recent years.
Developed as a Community Interest Company, Browse Studios CIC has been created for public benefit rather than private profit. Its objectives include widening access to arts and culture, creating opportunities for local creatives, supporting media and digital skills, activating underused city centre space and contributing to the wider regeneration of Hull.
The launch comes at a time when towns and cities across the UK are rethinking how vacant retail spaces, cultural venues, independent businesses and community led projects can work together to bring life back into city centres.
Browse Studios CIC aims to be part of that answer for Hull.
The space will be used for live events, exhibitions, talks, workshops, co working, creative meet ups, brand activations, independent markets, community projects and collaborations with local organisations.
Future plans include affordable creative memberships, premium desk space, community focused daytime activity, food and drink concepts, and a wider programme of events that supports Hull’s existing cultural ecosystem while creating new opportunities for emerging artists, promoters, makers, freelancers and independent businesses.
Mike White, founder of Browse and director of Browse Studios CIC, said: “Browse has always been about backing Hull’s creative scene, independent businesses and the people who make the city interesting. Browse Studios is the next step in that journey.
“This is not just about opening a venue. It is about taking a former retail unit that has been empty for three years and giving it a new purpose.
“We want to help bring life back into this part of town, create opportunities and build something that gives people more reasons to come into the city centre.
“Browse Studios will be a place where culture, community and enterprise meet. Somewhere people can attend a gig, host an event, work on an idea, meet other creatives, support local independents and feel part of something bigger.
“Hull has always had the talent. It has always had the ideas. What it needs is more platforms, more rooms, more infrastructure and more spaces where those ideas can grow.”
The first phase of Browse Studios CIC will introduce the city to the new space, with further programming, partnerships and community activity to be announced over the coming weeks and months.
The project is already attracting interest from across Hull’s cultural, civic, business and community sectors, with Browse Studios CIC positioning itself as a new kind of city centre space that can support culture, regeneration, skills and enterprise under one roof.
Mike added: “This is a CIC, so the mission matters. Every event, every booking, every partnership and every person who walks through the door helps support the wider purpose.
“That purpose is to back Hull’s creative industries, create access, support local people and help bring life back into the city centre.”
Browse Studios CIC is inviting local creatives, promoters, businesses, community groups, funders, partners and media organisations to follow the launch and explore opportunities to collaborate.