THE Onion Collective is set to host a launch party their new cultural venue in September.

Work is progressing well on East Quay in Watchet, with the team hoping to have a main launch party on the afternoon of Friday, September 3.

This will be followed by a fun day on Saturday, September 4.

However, the venue will be open before this - with a soft launch planned for the beginning of the summer holidays.

“As a social enterprise, East Quay will support creative practitioners,” said a spokesperson for the Onion Collective.

“It will bring national and international artists to the South West and it will provide space for people to gather, imagine, talk and plan a future they want to be part of.”

The venue is designed by Invisible Studio and Ellis Williams Architects, landscape architects LT Studio and engineers Momentum.

Troup Bywaters + Anders is mechanical and electrical consultants, and Midas Group Ltd is the lead contractor.

Bridgwater Mercury: Onion Collective, East Quay, Watchet

The Onion Collective, a social enterprise, was set up in 2013 when plans for a major development of flats on the marina had fallen through.

The group has since built a visitor centre, restored boat museum, created a community garden from a derelict field, built a pavilion with 50 volunteers and started a project called Watchet Community Makers.

And their latest project is East Quay.

The building will include the gallery and studios alongside outdoor public walkways which will lead to small terraces and viewing areas.

There will also be five accommodation pods inspired by Watchet and two of which will stand on stilts above the building.

To find out more about the project visit onioncollective.co.uk/eastquay-development-watchet.