New immersive creative hub throws open doors for the first time in Plymouth
Today, Sir Nicholas Serota, Chair of the Arts Council cuts the ribbon to mark the opening of the Market Hall in Devonport, Plymouth – a new creative space that will open to the public this weekend, and puts the south west even more firmly on the global map as a leader in immersive creative technology.
The Grade II listed building has undergone an extensive and cutting-edge capital renovation led by the team at Real Ideas. The building comprises of a 360 immersive dome, the first of its kind in Europe, as well as dynamic co-working spaces, a production suite, events space and a café. There is something for everyone – from locals seeking a coffee and an unusual experience, students working at the forefront of digital innovation, to businesses who are looking for dynamic ways of working post-pandemic.
Untold opportunity as a place for jobs, research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, economic development and secondary economic benefits too.
Real Ideas support young people to develop skills and opportunities, and they provide mentoring and support to enterprises and start-ups to help them thrive across Devon and Cornwall. This ethos and desire for lasting social change permeates through the Market Hall too. With opening weekend tickets selling out in just 24 hours, there is clearly much local pride in this new hub. As restrictions ease more and more over the coming months, it really will be the new place to work, learn, meet, eat, create… and have fun in Plymouth!
The spectacular dome measures 15m diameter, 210 degrees over the top, with a flat floor and will have a VR and AR cultural programme. The only other like it in the world can be found at SAT in Montreal, Canada – so we expect cultural experience hunters to come from far and wide, giving the local economy a boost with tourism too.
Lindsey Hall, CEO, Real Ideas, said:
“The Market Hall is without a doubt our most audacious project to date. Not only have we breathed new life into another incredible listed building, but we’ve also brought it firmly into the 21st century. It is immediately relevant and offers untold opportunity as a place for jobs, research, development, exploration, learning, collaboration, economic development and secondary economic benefits too.
“We are delighted to be able to open the Market Hall to the public and share this incredible, imaginative and pioneering immersive space with all our neighbours and friends, especially the world-class immersive dome, to all our visitors for free. We had a brilliant experience when we opened Devonport Guildhall to the local residents and communities back in 2010 and we can’t wait to see what people think of their first visit to the Market Hall and experience in the immersive dome.
“This is a place for our extended Plymouth, and surrounding Devon and Cornwall, communities to connect, gather and share new experiences so we are thoroughly delighted to welcome everyone in this open-doors opportunity.”
The project has been supported with funding from Arts Council England, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Government’s Culture Recovery Fund, Unlocking Growth Fund and ERDF funding through the Heart of the South West LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership). This is all new investment into Plymouth from national and European sources, which will provide opportunities and jobs and has revived this area of Plymouth, demonstrating a great return on public investment into this sector.
On Friday 16 and Saturday 17 July, the team at Real Ideas will be taking over the Arts Council Instagram @aceagrams, so do take a peak to see behind the scenes.
Nicholas Serota, Chair, Arts Council England, said:
“At the Arts Council, we are thrilled that the eagerly anticipated innovation space, the Market Hall, and the state-of-the-art immersive dome is now open. Since its inception the project has excited us with its digital ambitions and impressive regeneration of a disused historic building in Devonport. The Market Hall will use cutting edge technology to create unique artistic experiences and opportunities for the community, placing Plymouth and the south west even more firmly on the cultural and technological map.
“We applaud Real Ideas’ partnership working, approach to inclusivity, and their bold vision. This world-class space will play host to creative enterprises, educational institutes, and local businesses. Local people will be at its heart – encouraging creativity in the region, helping to support the local economy, and contributing to a sense of pride in Plymouth.
“Arts Council are pleased to have been part of this journey, thanks to funding from the Government, and we are proud to have backed this innovative vision and digital leadership from the team at Real Ideas. We look forward to seeing the ripples spread far and wide from the Market Hall .”
The Market Hall joins the growing Real Ideas campus of spaces including Ocean Studios and Devonport Guildhall in Plymouth and CSpace in Newquay. Find out more here.
