The Briggait is a magnificent building which had, except for temporary use, lain empty for the best part of 20 years. Wasps Studios set out to redevelop the building back in 2001 and finally completed the project in late 2009.

The Briggait now houses over 5,500 square metres of public and private space including:

• 45 studios for visual artists
• 24 offices for cultural organisations
• 4 shop-front units for creative industry companies
• A beautiful public Courtyard that dates back to 1873
• 2 street-front exhibition spaces
• Meeting spaces & a heritage interpretation room
• An area set aside for a public cafe

A great deal of work went into repairing the Briggait’s historic fabric to make the building habitable again. The stunning 1873 Courtyard, perhaps the most impressive space architecturally, is open on a daily basis between 9.30 and 5.30  Monday to Friday.

The areas of the building which house the private workspaces are open to the public at monthly guided tours from 1pm on the last Friday of each month.

Project Spaces

The Briggait has two shop-fronted gallery spaces looking out onto Bridgegate. These spaces are programme by a panel of artists and programmers who are tenants within the building. The spaces are programmed through open call submission for more information on how to apply please see the exhibition and project spaces section of our website.

1873 Hall

We regularly host event and exhibitions in the 1873 hall. Many people enquire about using the 1873 hall for exhibitions and artistic and commercial events. If you would be interested in hiring the 1873 hall or proposing an exhibition in the space, please click here.