Warwick District Council has announced the formal launch of the retail display area at the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa - a dedicated space that offers local artists the opportunity to present and sell their work to the public.

This modest but valuable area, featuring secure glass display cabinets and card racks, has been in use for some time but is now fully operational and forms part of a renewed commitment to promoting creativity across the district.

While not a full-scale shop, the space provides a meaningful platform for artists to gain visibility and connect with audiences through the display and sale of their work.

Originally, the larger shop at the venue was reallocated to house the Council's frontline services team, an essential point of contact for residents on matters such as council tax and benefits.

Cllr Ella Billiald, Portfolio Holder for Place, Arts and Economy at Warwick District Council, commented: "We're delighted to formally launch this new space within the Royal Pump Rooms, which gives local artists a much-needed platform to showcase their talent.

"While compact, it's a powerful statement of our ongoing commitment to creativity and cultural life in the district. We see this as just the beginning - the space will continue to grow and evolve, becoming ever more inclusive and representative of the incredible diversity of artists we're lucky to have in our community."

Warwick District Council has announced the formal launch of the retail display area at the Royal Pump Rooms in Leamington Spa (image via Nub News)

In response, the Arts team developed this alternative space to ensure that local artistic talent still has a presence in the building. Looking ahead, the display area will continue to evolve, both in terms of the work presented and the artists it represents.

A wider call-out will soon be issued, inviting submissions from creatives working across a broad spectrum of art forms, backgrounds, and abilities.

Cllr Jessica Melrose, Portfolio Holder for People and Organisational Management, added: "Bringing customer services into the Royal Pump Rooms has made a real difference.

"We've seen increased footfall, more people using the space, and easier access to support, for example, with Citizens Advice Bureau now meeting residents on site.

"The reopening of the Pump Rooms shop is a great moment.

"It's the final step in our plan to create a vibrant, welcoming hub for the community.

"It's fantastic to see the shop fully open, supporting local artists and offering more for everyone who comes through the doors."

The initiative has been supported by funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through a Cultural Marketing and Promotion project, led by Warwick District Council's Arts section.

The same funding has enabled Warwick, Whitnash, and Kenilworth Town Councils to invest in digital and physical infrastructure that enhances how local creatives and cultural programmes are promoted, ranging from digital screens and heritage displays to shop fittings and leaflet racks.

This marks an exciting new chapter for arts promotion at the Royal Pump Rooms, with plenty of scope for growth and community involvement in the months ahead.