ABOUT SOUTH SIDE STUDIOS
Since 2022, we have been activating and advocating for meanwhile use of the many vacant properties across Leighton Buzzard.
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South Side Studios currently supports and maintains two 'meanwhile use' spaces, works with resident artists to develop their connection to the community across arts, culture, heritage, and health, and above all provides much-needed affordable space in which to scale their practise.
We also work to promote the wider 'meanwhile use' of vacant commercial properties, by demonstrating the positive contribution that Arts-led and Creative Enterprise work space brings to the community and local economy.
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We seek a shared collaborative approach to place-making and creative enterprise - South Side Studios and its members work closely with Cultural Economies sector leaders, community and health groups, local landowners and business stakeholders, and both Leighton-Linslade Town Council and Central Bedfordshire Council, to support and influence Town Centre renewal through arts-led regeneration. We have been instrumental in driving local conversation and policy, and continue our work to influence the planning that will underpin the future of Leighton Buzzard.
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Long term we support the development of a permanent creative hub on the South Side of Leighton Buzzard high street, consisting of artist studio space, and multi-use flexible space that can be used for events, exhibitions, workshops or to meet other needs of the resident creative businesses such as space to produce large scale artwork or film/photography shoots.
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​South Side Studios is currently working with Lowe Group on a proposed five-year 'meanwhile' project at the Westlands / Duncombe Drive site in Leighton Buzzard - already well-served by site-specific parking & facilities, a creative hub with an integral social prescribing offer would thrive at the Westlands site, and could create a meaningful physical and social link from the ‘Land South’ to the High Street.
Activating this and other vacant spaces in Leighton Buzzard could be the key to meeting the challenges faced by our high street - supporting and connecting business, arts, health, and community to find innovative approaches, to help local enterprises scale, and set the town apart as a lively creative destination.
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