New craft centre beside River Humber in Barton due to open in May

A NEW craft centre on the banks of the River Humber is set to open in May.

The William Blyth Heritage and Craft Centre on Far Ings Road will be home to a string of businesses and a restaurant.

Work has been going on for more than two years to develop the site, which will create a number of jobs – although exact numbers have yet to be confirmed.

Katherine Mutch, who is assisting in the development of the centre, said those behind it wanted to encourage schools to visit and learn from the different activities that will be taking place there.

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She said: "We have a lot of ideas that will take some time to develop.

"We are planning to open a good quality restaurant and use local produce.

"It will be a centre that will grow and create plenty of employment opportunities.

"The main focus will be on traditional craftsmanship and education."

There will be six workshops on the site including a pottery centre, blacksmiths and a fashion label, Stella & Alf. The label was created by Paris Hodson, 22, and stylist Charlotte Hay, 25.

The pair first met in Grimsby when Ms Hodson modelled for a fashion collection Charlotte produced for college. The label is set to launch from their new Barton studio with a "capsule" collection this month.

Ms Hay said: "The capsule consists of 20 key pieces that most women have in their wardrobe, at points throughout their life, at whatever age. Each piece has been cut using intellectual pattern cutting, ensuring minimum waste."

The pair use natural materials that are made in the UK.

Their workshop is one of the first to be set up at the centre.

Ms Hay said: "We have chosen to base ourselves there, as the concept and ethos behind the development is one that complements our own and is very close to our hearts in terms of working with other local people and utilising local materials.

"Working alongside other local crafters and creatives is something that is important to both Paris and myself.

"We really want to utilise the local surroundings and local creative talents. With the Ropewalk just down the road, Barton is quickly becoming an eclectic hub for creatives and crafters to base their work, and drawing in a diverse crowd of visitors."