Baltic Creative has officially handed over its flagship project, Northern Lights, after almost a decade, to Dusanj Real Estate. Tony McDonough reports
Baltic Creative, the community interest company driving Liverpool’s creative and digital ecosystem in the Baltic Triangle, has announced the handover of its arts and creative community-focused project, Northern Lights, located at Cains Brewery Village, to Dusanj Real Estate.
The deal marks a new chapter for Northern Lights after more than nine years. The original scheme, backed by a £310k Social Investment Business Loan and £90k of Baltic Creative’s own investment, helped transform 45,000 sq ft of disused warehouse space into vibrant studios, galleries, and creative workspaces.
The project has played a central role in the regeneration of the Baltic area and helped it become a magnet for thousands of weekly visitors. Now it is home to major operators including Boxpark, Baltic Market, and The Jacaranda, alongside a host of other independent, creative businesses.
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Tenants, including artist-led gallery The Royal Standard and Ryde Coffee shop, and Sort Rehearsal Rooms will continue to operate from the space under the operational management of Dusanj Real Estate, who acquired the site in 2002.
Baltic Creative says it will continue to explore projects that will drive growth across Liverpool’s creative and digital sectors.
CEO at Baltic Creative CIC, Lynn Haime says: “Northern Lights was set up as a project to do two things – to create a home for the arts and creative communities, and act as a further catalyst for an emerging part of the Baltic Triangle.
“The scheme has achieved both of these things and we couldn’t be happier to see the community remain in the area longer term, under new management.
“Northern Lights has been a vital part of Baltic Creative’s journey and contribution to the area’s transformation, and we’re extremely proud to have created an affordable and dynamic home for artists and makers over the past decade.
“We are proud of the role that Northern Lights has played in the regeneration of the Baltic Triangle and, as this project comes to an end, we are now in a position to take what we’ve learned and continue this work in other parts of the region that are in real need of regeneration.”
Ajmail Dusanj, Director at Dusanj Real Estate, added: “Northern Lights has played an important role in shaping the Baltic Triangle into a creative and cultural destination, enabled through the longstanding commitment of Baltic Creative CIC and the artistic contributions of the scheme’s tenants.
“Looking ahead, our ambition is to build on this momentum, while continuing to support existing tenants and attract new partners who can support us in making Northern Lights and the wider Baltic Triangle area into one of Liverpool’s most vibrant destinations for creativity, enterprise and community.”
Baltic Creative is a Community Interest Company (CIC) based in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle that supports the growth of creative and digital industries.
It does this by owning and managing commercial properties, offering flexible and affordable workspace, and fostering a collaborative community for over 100 businesses, including game developers, digital agencies, and artists.