For almost a decade, Northern Lights has been a home for artists, makers and creative businesses in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle. Developed and managed by Baltic Creative CIC, the project transformed a disused warehouse into a thriving, artist-led community. As we hand over management of the space, we’re reflecting on its story, its successes, and the legacy it leaves behind.
In the beginning: a warehouse transformed
In 2016, Baltic Creative CIC took on the challenge of transforming a disused canning warehouse in Cains Brewery Village. Our vision was to create an artist-led hub that offered affordable studios, workshops, rehearsal rooms and gallery space. A place where a creative community could grow and thrive.
Backed by a £310k social investment business loan and £90k of our own investment, we established a special purpose vehicle to acquire the lease. This gave the new space its own identity – Northern Lights Liverpool. By January 2017, the doors opened, and the first tenants began shaping what would become a vibrant creative space.
Building an artist-led community
Managed by former operations officer Mia Tagg, Northern Lights quickly became an integral part of Liverpool’s creative ecosystem. At its heart was The Royal Standard, one of the city’s most respected artist-led galleries and collectives, alongside Hub Art Studio, GoCre8, and Sort Rehearsal Rooms. They were soon joined by a diverse mix of filmmakers, publishers, printers, tattooists and textile designers.
With a central café, large event space and mezzanine studios, Northern Lights was designed to be a place for collaboration. Under the leadership of Alex Christey-Kelly, who took over operations in 2019, the building continued to flourish. We hosted exhibitions and events that showcased the creativity of our tenants and wider community.
Reviving the space after lockdown
In 2021, our Baltic Triangle neighbours Ryde became the new café partner. The team brought their passion for great coffee, food and cycling to the heart of Northern Lights. Ryde revived the cafe space after the quietness of lockdown and provided a new social hub for tenants and visitors.
That same year, Northern Lights opened its doors to the public for Light Night Liverpool. Tenants including The Royal Standard, Hub Art Studio, Road Studios, Innominate Studios and Ryde each responded to the theme of PLAY. The building came alive with installations, exhibitions and performances that explored how playfulness shapes artistic practice.
Showcasing local and national creativity
In 2023, we launched the Gallery Wall Exhibition Space, offering a regular programme of exhibitions to support local artists. This new initiative redefined the traditional gallery experience by transforming the industrial backdrop of the warehouse into a living canvas. The inaugural exhibition featured work from artists at Hub Studios. It has since showcased art mediums spanning photography, painting, ceramics and floral design. More recently, Northern Lights hosted an exhibition by Modern Toss as part of their touring 21st anniversary celebrations.
A lasting legacy
As we close our chapter of this project, we reflect on a significant part of Baltic Creative’s journey. Northern Lights was created to do two things: provide a home for Liverpool’s artists and makers, and to act as a catalyst for the ongoing regeneration of the Baltic Triangle. We’re incredibly proud to have achieved both, creating a dynamic, affordable and inclusive home for creativity over the past decade.
Today, The Royal Standard, Ryde, Sort Rehearsal Rooms and the central community continue to operate from the building, now managed by Dusanj Real Estate. We’re delighted to see the creative spirit of Northern Lights continue under new stewardship.
Looking ahead
Baltic Creative remains committed to supporting artists, makers and innovators. The experience we’ve gained through Northern Lights has strengthened our understanding of what creative communities need to flourish. We’re now in a strong position to take what we’ve learned to other parts of the region that are in real need of regeneration.
Northern Lights will always be an important chapter in our story, and we’re excited to see how its community continues to shine.
Photography by Matt Bell and Pete Carr. (c) Baltic Creative CIC.
