BALTIC CREATIVE, the community interest company behind the creative and digital ecosystem in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, has announced the handover of the arts and creative community-focussed project Northern Lights based on the Cains Brewery Village to Dusanj Real Estate.
The original scheme, backed by a £310k Social Investment Business Loan and £90k of Baltic Creative’s own investment, saw the CIC transform 45,000 sq ft of disused warehouses into a repurposed, bespoke space for artists, designer-makers and the creative industries.
Northern Lights has acted as a catalyst for the continued redevelopment of the Cains Brewery Village area of the Baltic Triangle, which has gone on to welcome operators such as Boxpark, the Jacaranda, Baltic Market and a host of independent brands, creating a neighbourhood that welcomes thousands of visitors each week.
A highly successful nine years developing and managing the Northern Lights space saw the CIC support a broad spectrum of businesses and contribute to the growth of Liverpool’s independent creative arts economy, hosting a range of events, including exhibitions during Light Night, a recent showcase by Modern Toss, and regular opportunities for tenants to exhibit their own work.
All existing tenants, which include artist-led gallery The Royal Standard, Ryde Coffee shop, and Sort Rehearsal Rooms, continue to operate from the space and the operational management has been handed over to Dusanj Real Estate, which acquired the site in 2002 and has long expressed bold ambitions for the future development of the area.
Baltic Creative looks forward to witnessing the evolution of the neighbourhood and is actively exploring future projects that will contribute to the continued growth of Liverpool’s creative and digital sectors.
Lynn Haime, CEO at Baltic Creative CIC, said: “Northern Lights was set up as a project to do two things – to create a home for the arts and creative communities, and act as a further catalyst for an emerging part of the Baltic Triangle. The scheme has achieved both of these things and we couldn’t be happier to see the community remain in the area longer term, under new management.
“Northern Lights has been a vital part of Baltic Creative’s journey and contribution to the area’s transformation, and we’re extremely proud to have created an affordable and dynamic home for artists and makers over the past decade.
“We are proud of the role that Northern Lights has played in the regeneration of the Baltic Triangle and, as this project comes to an end, we are now in a position to take what we’ve learned and continue this work in other parts of the region that are in real need of regeneration.”
Ajmail Dusanj, Director at Dusanj Real Estate, added: “Northern Lights has played an important role in shaping the Baltic Triangle into a creative and cultural destination, enabled through the longstanding commitment of Baltic Creative CIC and the artistic contributions of the scheme’s tenants.
“Looking ahead, our ambition is to build on this momentum, while continuing to support existing tenants and attract new partners who can support us in making Northern Lights and the wider Baltic Triangle area into one of Liverpool’s most vibrant destinations for creativity, enterprise and community.”
