News

The first Meanwhile Space opens in Lurgan as part of a project with Craigavon Borough Council and Meanwhile Space CIC.

The otherwise empty space has been transformed by Victoria Cunningham-Downey into a yoga studio business, which offers morning, lunchtime, afternoon and evening classes in yoga, pilates and Tai Chi from a variety of local teachers.

"It was really great to be involved in setting up the first meanwhile project in Northern Ireland. Meanwhile Space CIC worked with Craigavon Borough Council to explore the feasibility for temporary uses in Lurgan and Portadown. Meanwhile Space brought experience from projects elsewhere to tailor a suitable approach to matching projects with places. We now have a template meanwhile lease for Northern Ireland to enable meanwhile uses and a local partnership structure to mobilise activity in empty spaces." Emily Berwyn, Meanwhile Space CIC

Victoria has availed of the ‘Meanwhile Space’ incentive scheme to open up her business in the old Studio One hairdressers premises above Millar’s shoe shop. The business, which opened on Monday, is encouraging her current class-goers as well as newcomers to call in and check out the new space and new timetable.

Stretch NI is also running personal development workshops and courses relating to health and fitness.

For more information go to www.stretchni.co.uk

If you are interested in investigating using empty spaces in Craigavon please contact Ciaran Tipping from Craigavon Borough Council at ciaran.tipping@craigavon.gov.uk .