A CONVERTED bus station which has provided a space for the community since 2013 will close at the end of the year.

The Waiting Room, off St Botolph’s Street in Colchester, will go out with a bang on New Year’s Eve as the building is set to be redeveloped.

The 400sqm building, used as artists’ studios, a workshop, a bazaar, a music venue and a kitchen, was originally intended to be open for 12 months after being saved from demolition.

But after three years, the closure does not mean the end for the Waiting Room’s projects.

Co-founder Marc De’Ath hopes the Maker Space equipment - including sewing machines, letter press, screen printing and ceramics equipment - will move to the new Space Studios at 37 Queen Street.

Other workshops, like woodworking and metalworking, and the kitchen venue, will also need new homes in town.

Developers are set to move in on the site early next year.

In the lead-up to the closure, the Waiting Room’s calendar is packed out until the final party on December 31.

Mr De’Ath, who runs the project as a volunteer, said: “Looking back, three years later, we couldn’t have predicted just how popular it would become.

“I feel proud of what we have created and achieved and am looking forward to using what we’ve learnt.

“The highlights have been seeing Chris Moore, of Shallow Leisure, having a home for metal and heavier music, the Big Sunday events and seeing some of the chefs really having an opportunity to run their own restaurant.”

Kaavous Clayton, who worked with Mr De’Ath to create the Waiting Room in August 2013, said: “I think it’s amazing it’s been able to happen. Things like this never end - they start up and bring people together and inspire people to try something new.

“It all contributes to making a place more interesting.”

The Waiting Room project was a collaboration between Colchester School of Art (part of Colchester Institute), and the Creative Co-op.

It was made possible by funding from Arts Council England, DCLG (Mary Portas), Locality, Carnegie Trust and Colchester Borough Council, CURE and Intereg, Nick Barlow and Jo Hayes and a team of local volunteers.

Go to st-botolphs.org/events to see all upcoming events at the Waiting Room.

A few words from the people who got involved...

  • Local Promoter, Chris Moore from Shallow Leisure, said: "The Waiting Room has provided a home for our scene.

"Since its doors opened Shallow Leisure hasn't put a show on at any other venue.

"Its ethics, its accessibility and its commitment to providing a space for original, truly alternative culture - giving promoters and curators not only complete creative freedom but huge amounts of support - makes it totally unique.

"Words can't say how much we've loved being a part of it all."

  • Resident chef, Byron Higgins, said: "The Waiting has given V Catering a platform for our business.

"The pop-up events have been hugely successful and have helped our business grow. Everyone involved at the Waiting Room is amazing and helpful.

"We have made lifelong friends."

  • Peter Jones, chair of Cuckoo Farm, a partner in developing the Maker Space workshops at the Waiting Room, said: "I got involved because this is such a valuable resource for Colchester.

"This project has given access to many people and allowed the development and future planning for better and greater resources for artists and the public in Colchester."

  • Bar Manager, Mike Polom said: "I have really enjoyed the project as it has given me the opportunity to share my passion for real ale and local produce with a new audience.

"Seeking out and sharing weird and wonderful ales and ciders wouldn’t have been possible without an environment that encourages experimentation and creativity like the Waiting Room."

  • Resident ceramist Caroline Rhys-Lewis said: "The ceramic workshops have managed to provide an affordable, creative and challenging activity that expands all ages, and hopefully will continue in a new venue to give more people this important experience.”