A NEW culture networking group has been launched in a bid to boost business and artistic space in the city.

The inaugural meeting was held at the Mayor of Winchester’s official residence, Abbey House, seeing around 40 turn out to discuss creative workspace issues.

It forms part of the council’s cultural strategy, approved earlier this year, when the Culture, Innovation and the Creative Economy event was held.

Kate Cloud, head of economy and arts at Winchester City Council, said a survey had been conducted that indicated some 69 per cent of those interviewed cited an issue with the price of business accommodation as one of the main reasons for finding workspace. Another 58 per cent said there was a lack of availability and 42 per cent reported insufficient parking was also to blame.

“What we definitely know is that finding space can be very difficult, that’s a given,” she said. “There are three options for creative interests. The first of these is a hub approach; working together as a community. The second is about performance space – we know this is lacking in Winchester. The third was studio space. As a result of all this information we’re equipped with the knowledge we need.

“What I must state is Winchester City Council is not always the best organisation to deliver these things but we always encourage. We know what the issues are and we’re doing our best to work towards them.”

Ms Cloud said the council were assessing sites at Bar End, The Square, and the Chesil tunnel.

The meeting was also used as a chance to send-off the council’s former arts adviser, arts and heritage consultant Stephen Boyce, who is relocating to Dorset.

Mr Boyce was commissioned by the council for nearly three years to work with arts businesses and organisations and was presented with a personalised Joe Low photograph.

Mr Boyce said: “It has been a real privilege spending the last three years at the heart of the artist’s community. It’s been hugely enjoyable and stimulating to me in a creative capacity. I think Winchester has a remarkably talented and rich community of artists, performers and writers.”

Cllr Eileen Berry said her official residence was “a very poignant place to be” given its history and encouraged her audience to network.

“Wherever you go in this beautiful city there’s something either under your feet or above you of value,” she said. “It’s my privilege [to be here tonight] because I’m not speaking as someone who doesn’t understand art.

“Be together and share and see how far you go.”