A new co-working space has opened in Ripon city centre in memory of popular local photographer Paul Oldham.
The Light Room at Jion Studios on Queen Street has been refurbished and repurposed following Paul's death in May.
Previously home to The Light Room Photography Studio, where Paul worked, the space now offers hot desks and kitchen facilities for freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
The new venture has been created by husband and wife Ady and Nicola Gray, who also run The Karate Dojo and Exhale Yoga respectively at Jion Studios.
Ady said:
“The Light Room Photography Studio was the inspiration of our dear friend Paul.
“He created a relaxed and welcoming place where people felt comfortable, where conversations happened naturally and friendships and connections were made.
“Paul had a genuine passion for people and understood the importance of community, human connection and the positive impact these can have on our mental wellbeing.”
Nicola said they wanted to retain the atmosphere Paul had created while giving the space a new purpose.
She said:
“When the time came to give the space a new purpose, we knew we didn’t want to lose what Paul had created. Instead, we wanted to preserve that feeling and carry his values forward. And so, The Light Room Co-working Space was born.”
The self-contained and secure workspace has five large windows overlooking Ripon city centre, with desks available for £20 per day.
Shower facilities are also available for people who exercise before work or commute into the city by bicycle.
Nicola added:
“With five large windows and beautiful natural light overlooking the heart of Ripon city centre, we wanted to create more than simply somewhere to rent a desk.
"We wanted to create a calm, welcoming and professional environment where people enjoy coming to work.”
Among the first people to use the new facility is Katie Reeves, who previously set up the Medley Ripon co-working group with fellow businesswoman Sarah Lewis.
Their efforts to establish permanent premises in the city centre did not ultimately come to fruition.
Katie said:
“What Ady and Nicola have set up here is tremendous and has proved ideal for me. I wish them every success.”
Ripon BID manager Lilla Bathurst said the new venture would help meet demand for co-working facilities in the city.
She said:
“The need for a permanent location in Ripon, for the city's growing co-worker community, was identified by Katie and Sarah but sadly their search for appropriate premises was not successful.
“With this in mind, it is good to see the launch of Ady and Nicola's new venture, which goes some way towards meeting the clear demand for co-working facilities in the city.”
Paul's photography remains on display throughout Jion Studios as a permanent reminder of his creativity and contribution to the space.
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