"New art space and coffee shop opening in FarGo Village"

[dutchman]

Art, plants and coffee - this could be your new place to hang out (when things re-open)



An independent business in the heart of Coventry's creative quarter have revealed their brand new expansion plans which will see them opening a new exhibition space and cafe.

Print Manufactory – which is currently closed in line with the Government’s Covid regulations - are a screen-printing studio at FarGo Village.

They have been based at the site since 2018, but are now moving to bigger premises within the village to launch their new vision.

They will change their name to 'Commonground' once they are allowed to reopen, and now they are in bigger premises, can offer an exhibition space for aspiring artists and a café.

Commonground will be open seven days a week, and the cafe will be run by Paul Stronach, who is behind the successful Table and Wine pop-up eateries.

It is an exciting addition to the city, particularly at a time when many businesses are struggling to survive due to the pandemic.

Print Manufactory is run by business partners Kate Rossin and Jon Randle and their plans have been put into action with the help of the Getting Building Fund from the Government through the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership (CWLEP).

Speaking on their expansion plans Kate Rossin said: "We’re currently a printing studio and a design store for customers to buy prints and independently made items. We have also incorporated a large dark room into this space.

"When we can re-open, we’re going to have a café where we have sourced the right kind of suppliers including award-winning Origin coffee and an exhibition space with one of the walls through the entire unit being for curated projects as well as individual artists which is particularly important during Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture and the work that is going on throughout the area."

And they also plan to run workshops too: "We will also be carrying on with the workshops to teach people how to use cameras, take better photographs and learn screen printing.

"One of the aspects we have been proud of since we started Print Manufactory is that it is a great place to hang out and stay for a chat and we feel this is a natural progression from our old building to the new place."

She said she and Mr Randle felt privileged to be able to grow at a time when many businesses are struggling to survive due to the pandemic.

"That is partly due to the support we have received from the FarGo team.

"They are helping us with the refurbishment and alterations work in the new unit to make it as easy as possible to complete the move.

"We’re hoping the building work will be completed by the end of February but when we open is dependent on Government advice."