ARTISTS and community groups have been invited to rent space at Hadleigh’s old fire station after a new operator was found for the building.

Essex County Council has confirmed the Association for Cultural Advancement through Visual Art will take over the running of the new arts venue.

Last month, the Echo revealed the authority was in advanced talks with the London-based charity.

The association is now ready to register clubs and organisations for offices and hire of the community space.

An open day will be held on Tuesday, June 28, to give groups a preview of the facilities available.

Duncan Smith, chief executive of the arts group, said: ‘We’re very excited at the prospect of running an arts and community centre in such a landmark building in Hadleigh.

“We are ready to get going and are immediately looking for community groups needing offices or to use the large appliance hall for meetings, events or exhibitions, and for local artists needing studios.

“I very much look forward to working with the people who join us in the building and to welcoming the Hadleigh communities.”

Two more open days will be held to give artists a first look at the 15 studios available for hire.

They will take place tomorrow, from 6pm to 8pm, and on Thursday, from 6pm to 8pm.

The deadline for applications is June 28.

The former fire station, which was bought by the council last year for £500,000, has been renovated. It now has 15 artists’ studios of varying sizes, as well as a main 120sqm space for exhibitions.

The building is also set to host events during the build-up to the Olympic mountain biking event, which will take place at the nearby Hadleigh Farm.

Stephen Castle, county councillor responsible for education and Essex’s contribution to the 2012 Games, said: “I’m looking forward to seeing the building given a new lease of life and become a vibrant space that attracts artists and local community groups alike.”

For more information, contact Ben Eastop at the association, via beastop@acava.org