A Kendal-based eco-arts organisation is opening its new town centre home.

Ragtag Arts was based on the Mealbank industrial estate, but in the first week of January its building was flooded.

On Saturday, February 14, the Ragtag team will throw open the doors of their new temporary space in Elephant Yard, and, despite the upheaval, they’re excited about a busy year ahead.

Emily Dewhurst, Ragtag’s executive director, said: “We started the New Year with what looked like Niagara Falls coming down the stairs, but we’ve been absolutely blown away by the support we’ve received from the community.

“I don’t think we quite realised how significant Ragtag is to so many people, until we were forced to close.

“Its been a lot of hard work but a huge number of people have stepped up to help us move, and we can’t wait to open on Saturday and welcome people to the new space.”

After it became clear its Mealbank building would take many months to repair, Ragtag was invited to move into Elephant Yard for six months, and put out a call out for volunteers to help make the move.

“I think we’d still be moving now without all the people who have lifted and carried, driven vans, cleaned and sorted,” laughs Josh Simpson, Ragtag’s creative director and Emily’s brother.

“We even had one girl who comes to our art club, coming in to volunteer after school, sharpening pencils ready for our workshop space to open.

“This move just wouldn’t have happened without the support of the community.”

Ragtag’s new space, in the former Todds premises, includes the ‘crafty cafe,’ where people of all ages can get a quality brew and piece of cake, while trying their hand at something creative. 

Also inside is a space for creative workshops and for children’s parties, plus a new dedicated play area for under 5s.

The scrapstore, where people can buy reclaimed materials to use in their own creative projects, is also making the move to the town centre premises.

Moving has also improved Ragtag’s accessibility, with the new ground floor space being fully wheelchair accessible.

Josh says they’re also keen to see how other community groups can use the space: “We want to hear from organisations looking for town centre space for activities; we want to think how we can collaborate.

“This whole experience has brought home just how important community is,” he explains.

“So we want this to really be a space that benefits everyone in the town.”

The move to Elephant Yard has been made easier thanks to the team at the centre, who have helped to make the transition as smooth as possible. 

Centre manager Vicki Askew said: “After unfortunate events put their premises out of action, Ragtag are using our vacant unit, turning it into a fabulous crafty wonderland, for all ages and abilities to enjoy. 

“Local charities play a key role in bringing people into our town, through community events, fundraisers, festivals and volunteer initiatives, which attract visitors from local and surrounding areas.

“We look forward to seeing and welcoming new faces to the yard and wish them every success.”

Back at its Mealbank premises, Ragtag’s landlord is waiving the rent and work is underway to restore the building which suffered extensive damage.

However, those works are expected to take months.

Despite raising over £2,000 through a Crowdfunding campaign, and the generosity of Elephant Yard, and its existing landlord, Ragtag is still facing financial challenges, having lost a month of activities and project delivery. 

The organisation has had to waive rents for the eight local artists who have studios at its Mealbank premises while restoration work continues, and has had to temporarily close its ceramics studio membership scheme.

“There are going to be a lot of hidden costs, and we’re having to pay business rates on the new space, but we’re determined to find solutions with and for our community,,” Emily explains.

“And we’d love to hear from anyone who wants to be part of that.”

The team also says that the coming weeks will involve a bit of trial and error while they settle into their new home.

“It’s going to be a steep learning curve,” Emily laughs.

“So we’d just ask that people bear with us while we see how busy we’re going to be and how everything works.”

Even though the start to 2026 hasn’t been what they expected, the pair are upbeat and looking forward to what’s to come, with a host of projects and activities planned.

“We’ve got our Parade project where we’re working with children, young people and adults to create memorable and meaningful carnival experiences,” Josh says.

“And our Loose Parts Play project which will see us put over one hundred kits into schools across Cumbria.”

“And being in the town centre means we’ll be able to get stuck in with festivals and events going on much more easily, because we’ve got that base.

“We’re excited about being in the heart of Kendal; come and get involved.”

Ragtag’s new space at Elephant Yard will be open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am.

Half term activities are open to families and don’t need to be booked in advance.

For more information about Ragtag’s activities and projects, or to find out about volunteering visit www.ragtagarts.co.uk