Inspire open brand-new base for learning and culture at the Buttermarket in Newark

Inspire Culture, Learning and Libraries has a new home on the mezzanine floor of the historical building, after Newark and Sherwood District Council completed extensive renovation works at the iconic Buttermarket over the last few months.

Working with Newark and Sherwood District Council, who own the building, the Buttermarket is now a lively hub for learning, creativity, and exploration, and is set to be a valued venue for educational and cultural activities in the heart of Newark town centre.

Councillor Rhona Holloway, Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Visitors said, “I am delighted that we have been able to bring back into use the upper floor at the Buttermarket and with it, provide a wealth of opportunities for local residents and visitors which will not only help develop individual’s skills, but also to add to the vibrancy of the town centre offer in Newark.  I look forward to the varied programme of activity that Inspire will be bringing to the Buttermarket.”

Inspire bring a wealth of Adult Learning courses for the community to boost their skills and gain new hobbies, as well as their Inspire College provision for young people aged 16 to 19 in the area. There are even opportunities to join a choir and hone your musical talents. The new base for Inspire also brings three brand-new learning spaces to Newark Town Centre with fully accessible state of the art facilities and brilliant tutors.

Inspire Adult Learning offer a range of courses for adults including Employability, ESOL, Health and Wellbeing, Arts & Crafts, Creative writing & Literature, Education, English, Health & Wellbeing, Languages, Maths, Music and Work skills & Employment. Inspire College recently celebrated some excellent results in their GCSE re-sits this year, scoring pass rates of 63% in maths, and 42% in English – well above the national resit average for this year.

Councillor John Cottee, Cabinet Member for Communities at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:

“Inspire at the Buttermarket will create a lively new hub in the heart of Newark for local people to come together and take part in culture and learning activities right on their doorstep.

“The new space, housed in this beautiful, historic building, will offer a range of Inspire’s award-winning learning courses for young people and adults. It will be a wonderful addition to the area, creating even more opportunities for residents to connect, learn and create.”

Clare Janes, Inspire’s Centre Manager for the Buttermarket, said:

“As well as the many learning opportunities on offer at the new venue, we will be linking with our partners at Newark and Sherwood District Council, Newark Town Council, and Newark Towns Fund Board to ensure we become an integral part of the events culture of the town.  We are currently planning our first event, linking in with the town’s Christmas Light Switch-On celebrations on Sunday 27 November. We’ll be there from 12pm until 4pm, and visitors can make their own Christmas decorations to help us decorate the Buttermarket, whilst they enjoy some seasonal music and mulled wine. We’re very excited to show you what we’ve been up to – you can book a course now and see the wonderful building whilst gaining new skills.”

Examples of courses and activities you can expect to find at the Buttermarket this term include:

• Functional Skills English
• Functional Skills Maths
• ESOL
• Level 1 Award - Principals of Coaching Sport
• Silver Choir
• Level 1 Award – Health and Social Care
• Poetry for Beginners
• Italian for Beginners
• Internet Safety for Seniors

To find out more about Inspire at the Buttermarket, including to book courses, visit inspireculture.org.uk/buttermarket.