An eco-arts organisation is preparing to open a new base in Kendal town centre.
Ragtag Arts, based in the town, is moving into Elephant Yard after its previous site on the Mealbank industrial estate was severely damaged in a flood earlier this year.
The organisation described the flood as being like "Niagara Falls" pouring down the stairs, forcing them to find a new home.
Emily Dewhurst, executive director at Ragtag Arts, said: "We started the New Year with what looked like Niagara Falls coming down the stairs, but we’ve been absolutely blown away by the support we’ve received from the community.
"I don’t think we quite realised how significant Ragtag is to so many people until we were forced to close.
"It’s been a lot of hard work but a huge number of people have stepped up to help us move, and we can’t wait to open on Saturday and welcome people to the new space."
The new premises in the former Todds unit will serve as a temporary home for six months and includes a 'crafty cafe,' workshop areas, a children’s party space, and a dedicated play area for under-fives.
Ragtag’s popular scrapstore, which offers reclaimed materials for creative projects, has also relocated to the town centre.
Josh Simpson, creative director at Ragtag Arts, said: "I think we’d still be moving now without all the people who have lifted and carried, driven vans, cleaned and sorted.
"We even had one girl who comes to our art club, coming in to volunteer after school, sharpening pencils ready for our workshop space to open.
"This move just wouldn’t have happened without the support of the community."
The new site also offers improved accessibility, with the entire space located on the ground floor and fully wheelchair friendly.
Mr Simpson said Ragtag is eager to hear from other groups that might benefit from using the space.
He said: "We want to hear from organisations looking for town centre space for activities; we want to think how we can collaborate.
"This whole experience has brought home just how important community is.
"So we want this to really be a space that benefits everyone in the town."
The move was made possible thanks to support from Elephant Yard, whose team helped ease the transition.
Vicki Askew, centre manager, said: "After unfortunate events put their premises out of action, Ragtag are using our vacant unit, turning it into a fabulous crafty wonderland, for all ages and abilities to enjoy.
"We look forward to seeing and welcoming new faces to the yard and wish them every success."
Meanwhile, repairs are ongoing at Ragtag’s Mealbank building, with the organisation’s landlord waiving rent during the restoration.
Despite community fundraising and support, the organisation says financial challenges remain, including loss of income from activities and closure of its ceramics studio membership scheme.
Ms Dewhurst said: "There are going to be a lot of hidden costs, and we’re having to pay business rates on the new space, but we’re determined to find solutions with and for our community.
"And we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to be part of that."
She added that it will take time to fully settle into the new location.
Ms Dewhurst said: "It’s going to be a steep learning curve.
"So we’d just ask that people bear with us while we see how busy we’re going to be and how everything works."
Ragtag has several projects in the pipeline, including the Parade project and the Loose Parts Play scheme, which will distribute more than 100 creative play kits to schools across Cumbria.
Mr Simpson said: "Being in the town centre means we’ll be able to get stuck in with festivals and events going on much more easily, because we’ve got that base."
Ragtag Arts’ new space in Elephant Yard will open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10am.
Half-term activities will be open to families without the need for booking.
For more information or to get involved, visit www.ragtagarts.co.uk.
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