We wanted to create a space in North Shields where people could create meaningful work
A brand new creative space has launched in North Shields.
Formerly an indoor market and furniture warehouse, a disused building on Little Bedford Street, in North Shields, has been transformed in the Harbour House.
The three-storey creative space has officially opened to be a home to a curated mix of creative studios, wellness spaces, hospitality offerings and retail all under one roof.
The building, which was once the North Shields Indoor Market and later the Kasbah Furniture Market, has undergone a three-year restoration thanks to founder Skye-Alexander Ferry with support from Director of Experience and Events Amy-Bose Wilson.
The couple, who started renovations in January 2023 and have named the space after their daughter, Harbour.
Skye commented: “Harbour House was never just about creating a workspace. It was about building something that brings people together, creatively and culturally.
“We wanted to create a space where designers, makers, artists, and independents could create meaningful work, while also connecting socially.
“We wanted to prove that world-class creative spaces don’t need to exist only in big cities, but you can build them right here, in the place you’re from.
“We’re only just getting started. Harbour House is a blueprint; the future spaces we build will be unique.
“What matters most is that it serves its community and creates the kind of magic that happens when passionate people come together.”
The building was transformed with the help of North East tradespeople and partnering with brands that reflect the warmth, honesty and ambition of the region.
Now over 90% full, Harbour House has already become a home to eight independent brands and creators - each bringing something unique to the space.
Among those taking up a space at the venue is Cargo, a brand and digital agency that’s been part of the North Shields creative landscape for over a decade.
Paul Hart, Managing Director of Cargo, commented: “North Shields has always been our home, and we’ve long recognised its potential and creative spirit. To now be part of a space that reflects that, alongside people who believe in what this town can be, is brilliant.
“There’s a creative energy here that you can’t fake. It comes from the people, the vision, and the space itself.”
Harbour House has given businesses Like Hold Skin Studio and We Rise, a wellness and yoga studio, an opportunity to settle into their first-ever physical home.
James and Vera Powles, founders of We Rise Wellness Studio, stated: “Since moving here, we’ve connected with so many inspiring people whose support has made a real difference to our journey.
“We’re truly grateful for the friendships and collaborations that have grown from those connections.
“Harbour House has been a great home for our first studio, and a place where our ideas have been able to flourish.”
It has also given the opportunity to other business owners to scale up their work, with florist and stylist Muscari being a prime example of that.
The business started life when its founder, Amy Richardson, began repurposing wedding props during her maternity leave and what began as a small creative project has blossomed into a thriving floral and styling business.
Amy said: “The move to Harbour House was about more than a new space.
“It was a chance to get creative beyond weddings and collaborate with other incredible talent and the local community.
“With a full-time team member on board, the brand is flourishing in every sense.
“We never imagined our studio would be in a space this thoughtfully designed.
“It doesn’t just hold our work, it enhances it.”
Other businesses at Harbour House include Northern Rye Bakery, Quay Studio and Paul Geist, TUTTI (Formerly Tutti & Co) and creative agency Drishti.
More information on Harbour House can be found at: https://www.harbourhousecollective.co.uk/.