A LONG awaited £1.7-million project to create a purpose-built arts and crafts centre at Princetown is finally nearing completion, as an open evening is staged to show off the fantastic new facility.
The Duchy Square Centre for Creativity has been built in the heart of the village, opposite the High Moorland Visitor Centre. It comprises 17 lettable units for artists, with exhibition and gallery space — all fully accessible to the disabled.
Now an open evening and pre-Christmas celebration has been planned for Friday December 12, for the community and visitors from further afield.
Jean Camp, spokesperson for the centre, said the building was going to be 'phenomenal'.
She said: 'It's been a bit of a struggle getting it finished with the bad weather in the summer, and we've had to tweak a few things, but we wanted to get it right before we opened — you don't get a second chance at first impressions and we want the community to see that we are there for them.
'We are right in the heart of the community — and we also think we are going to bring a lot of people into Princetown.'
Jean said visitors to the centre will be able to see the artists at work, as each unit will have stable doors. The centre will stage touring exhibitions and there will also be a shop.
'We are hoping to have musical events, probably once a month, we are planning lots of different workshops — not just for painting but for pottery, sculpture, mosaics — all sorts of things,' said Jean, who hoped links between the centre and other sites in West Devon — Morwellham for example — could be established.
'We are also hoping to help people from a business point of view, by holding seminars. It's not going to be just arts and crafts but will provide lots of help for the community as well,' said Jean.
The open evening celebrations will include mulled wine and a barbecue provided by Dartmoor Farmers' Association, carol singing and performances of Scrooge by children from Princetown School. The children have also made decorations for the Christmas tree, which has been donated by the Duchy of Cornwall.
All are welcome to come and see the new building, including new and established artists who may be interested in chatting about the opportunities at the centre.
The open evening takes place between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.
An exciting programme of events is planned for 2009 and the centre will be officially opened in the New Year.