A KEIGHLEY arts project played host to local councillors as it launched a new service for the public.

Keighley Creative Space unveiled the Orange Room, a creative learning and teaching facility, at its town centre premises in the former Sunwin House and Home store.

The purpose-built space aims to attract people want to run or attend art, craft and design workshops.

The Orange Room will run alongside Creative Space’s studios, workshops and gallery space for professional artists and craftspeople.

Gemma Hobbs, the art teacher overseeing the Orange Room, said: “I want to see the room being used. I will be running regular workshops and events there myself, and I hope that once other artists and teachers visit the space, they will join me.

“If you are interested in what the space can offer you as a student, please contact me. Everything we run from The Orange Room will be designed around these discussions, with the learner at the heart of things.”

Two members of Keighley Town Council attended the launch, Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Peter Corkindale and Cllr Brian Morris.

Keighley Creative Space chairman Jane Howie said: “Keighley Creative Space is now a positive force for urban regeneration in Keighley.

“We gave the councillors a tour of some of our artist/creative spaces now within the building. They said they were impressed, and that they would be happy to support us in the future.”

“We love this building, with its quirky 90s art deco inspired features, and its perfect central location in Keighley, with parking on site.

“We have studio spaces accommodating 14 local artists and artisans and we are building an exhibition and community space on the top floor. The studios are for incubator creative industries in Keighley that are helping ease the decline of retail spaces.”

Call Creative Space on 01535 957273 or visit facebook.com/KeighleyCreativeSpace. Email gemhobbs@hotmail.co.uk or call Gemma Hobbs on 07983 560953 for more information about the Orange Room.