Preston entrepreneur’s passion project to launch creative studios for hire

A Preston entrepreneur is launching a new service for the city.

Mark Walsh is set to open ARTCH, which offers creative studios for hire.

Mark has been busy converting the three spaces, which are located under the railway arches in Gradwell Street near Preston City Centre.

ARTCH exterior Pic: Blog Preston — ARTCH is located on the corner of Gradwell Street and Marsh Lane Pic: Blog Preston

The pay-as-you-go studios are being made into blank canvasses, so they can be used for a variety of activities.

ARTCH will run via an app, where you can book, pay and check-in. Each studio has a kitchen and an honesty shop with everything payable in-app.

Inside the ARTCH large studio Pic: Blog Preston — Even the colour of the lighting can be fully controlled Pic: Blog Preston

Speaking to Blog Preston, Mark said: “I’m creating universal spaces for different uses, for example music rehearsals, theatre performances, comedy nights, personal training, podcast recording, life drawing, singing lessons, photography, film and private parties.

“Anyone using the studios will have complete control of the space, including layout, sound and lighting.”

Mark has used his knowledge and connections from a long career in the entertainment industry to get set up.

Previously a DJ at Rock FM, Mark currently performs in The Pub Party with Last Orders, an immersive sing-a-long show. He also works in large-scale event management and set up huge DJ exhibition, BPM.

Work in progress in the medium studio at ARTCH Pic: Blog Preston

While his other endeavours pay the bills, ARTCH is initially a passion project for Mark.

“There’s nothing like ARTCH in the area, you’d have to go to Manchester to find something similar,” said Mark.

“I’d always passed the arches and thought it would be an ace place to do something with. It’s a good use of urban space, and the trains trundling across add character.

“The project is a labour of love with a lot of personal investment, but I’m dead happy with how it’s going and can’t wait to start building a community here.”

Mark is running a launch event on Sunday 1 September from 12pm to 3pm. For more information, visit the ARTCH website.

Subscribe: Keep in touch directly with the latest headlines from Blog Preston, join our WhatsApp channel and subscribe for our twice-a-week email newsletter. Both free and direct to your phone and inbox.

Read more: See more of what’s on in Preston

This story was made possible by you, our readers, and a host of organisations in the city, through our Crowdfund Lancashire appeal, which unlocked support from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund provided by Lancashire County Council. You can see all our coverage and, if you know of an arts project or event in the city we should be covering, you can submit it for our event listings and/or send details to contactus@blogpreston.co.uk for us to cover it as a story on the Blog.