Abandoned Quay warehouses could be transformed into pop-up venue

New developments have just been announced for The Bike Shed Theatre’s plans to create a new venue in Exeter’s historic Quayside.

For sixteen weeks this summer a new lease of life could be given to the historic Maclaines Warehouses on Exeter’s Quay. Most recently occupied by the Maritime Museum, the Grade II listed site has been empty for over eighteen years. Now though, a series of pop up events could turn the abandoned warehouses into a space for creativity, culture and cocktails.

The Bike Shed Theatre’s Director, David Lockwood, said: ‘This summer represents a vital stage of The Boat Shed’s development. We’ve been working with experts including the Stirling Prize- winning architects Haworth Tompkins to develop plans for this landmark space. Now we want to invite the public in and begin practically testing how we use the building. It will be wonderful to have people in the spaces, breathing live into the old warehouses - allowing us to test what works, what doesn’t and helping us shape how The Boat Shed will be when fully developed.’

Pop-up events in the space are planned to run from May to August and will include theatre, comedy, art exhibitions, a music festival, a cocktail bar, an ice cream parlour and even an indoor mini-golf course.

Exeter City Lead Councillor for Economy, Transport and Energy, Rosie Denham, said: ‘It will be wonderful to explore the potential of this unique space in Exeter. It could be hugely beneficial to other businesses in the area and would enable a greater connection between the city centre and the Quay’.

In order for the pop-up events to take place this summer, The Bike Shed Theatre needs to raise £25,000 via its Crowdfunder campaign. Donations from £5 upwards will be exchanged for rewards ranging from limited edition badges and signed illustrated screen prints to exclusive cocktail- making workshops and naming rights of the bar and golf course.

More information about the project and how to donate can be found at www.bikeshedtheatre.co.uk/the-boat-shed/