Arts centre secures £100k from Central Salford

The Islington Mill arts warehouse in Salford's Chapel Street district has been awarded £100,000 to improve gallery, event and performance space.

Central Salford urban regeneration company, Salford City Council and Arts Council England all partly fund the centre, which is privately owned and provides workspace for the creative industries and is home to more than 50 creative entrepreneurs, a gallery space and recording studios.

The first phase of work is due to begin in May and will see public access improvements on the ground floor as well as creating an improved performance, event and gallery space for the public.

It is intended that the renovations will enable the mill to increase its number of events, boosting audience numbers and providing more opportunities for local and visiting artists.

Centre owner Bill Campbell said: "Islington Mill has already established itself as a sustainable work space for the creative industries and we have built up a reputation as a place for alternative events and culture throughout the UK. The funding will help us to build on this and make physical improvements to the building so that we can continue to go from strength to strength."

Chris Farrow, chief executive of Central Salford, said: "Creativity needs space to flourish. We believe strongly in retaining and attracting the creative industries to the area. The presence of the mill combined with the cultural activity and resources at the University of Salford, Salford Museum & Art Gallery, artists' studios, venues and other creative businesses presents an opportunity to make this area of Salford a thriving mixed use quarter with a creative edge."