THE former adventure play barn at the aMaizin! Adventure Park is at the centre of plans for a new hub to bring artists, designers, freelancers and other creative businesses together “under one roof”.
Jersey-based furniture designer and maker Gigi Cooke has submitted a change-of-use planning application, hoping to create a vibrant space where creatives in Jersey who typically work from home or in isolation, can come together.
Naming the project Under One Roof, Ms Cooke said: “Like many creatives on the island, I’ve worked from home, balanced multiple roles, and felt both the freedom and the isolation that can come with building something on your own.”
When aMaizin! Adventure Park announced its permanent closure in 2024, its owners said: “Whilst we are unsure as to the eventual use of the building, we would like to see a use that continues to have a community feel.”
Ms Cooke added that Under One Roof is her way of creating an inspiring and community-rooted environment – “the kind of environment I wish had existed when I was starting out”.
Plans submitted for the site include private and open studios, flexible workspaces available on contracts or day passes, a gallery and events space, breakout rooms and what is described as the “social heart” of the building – a café.
For Ms Cooke, the vacant play barn represents a “rare opportunity” to create a space without starting from scratch. Its out-of-town location also offers on-site parking and nearby bus routes.
“By opening our doors beyond our tenants, we aim to make the creative industry more visible, accessible, and inspiring for the wider community,” she said.
Deputy Lucy Stephenson, who represents the parishes of St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter, said she had recently met Ms Cooke and that it was “great to hear about her community-focused vision for breathing new life into this much loved site at the heart of our constituency”.
“Jersey has a vibrant creative arts scene and it would be very positive to have a hub for the community in the west. I wish Gigi all the best with the project going forward,” the Deputy added.
The change-of-use application is now awaiting a decision from Planning.
