Wasps Studio
A former fishmarket in Glasgow has created a dedicated cycle space that's accessible for all.
A Glasgow institution
A fish may not need a bike, but a former fishmarket on Glasgow’s Clyde has created a dedicated storage space for bikes and equipment to service the artists and other users of the arts venue.
Helen Moore helps to run the WASPS studio complex at the Briggait, a former fishmarket, that reopened in 2010 as an arts and events space and is an iconic cultural centre in the heart of Glasgow. WASPS applied to Cycling Scotland for funding to develop facilities and is now a ‘Cycling Friendly Employer’.
Before...
“We never had proper bike provision but we are right next to the Clyde with its cycle paths so the building is very accessible for people who cycle, and there is not a lot of on-street parking,” Helen says. “We have staff who regularly cycle but we also have studios that can be used by up to 45 artists plus 26 office spaces.
“We had an area near the entrance that had been blocked off and was ‘dead space’. So we opened up the void and created a secure bike storage with racks that can take up to 24 bikes, and with a wet area for scrubbing down bikes and carrying out minor repairs.
...and after
“The space is bright and inviting. We didn’t want just hardcore ‘lycra’ people on bikes to use the space but wanted it to feel friendly for everyone who cycles, regardless of fitness levels, how often they cycle or what kind of bike they have. It’s also important since we are a 24-hour space that people feel safe using the store no matter what time of day.”
When the storage facility opened earlier this year, a bike inspection session from Bike for Good ended up as an unexpected launch party. Helen continues: “It’s absolutely inspired people to get cycling, I have a colleague who has asked family and friends to give her cycling Bike for Good vouchers so she can buy a bike for commuting to work.
“There’s a big cycling community in the building, artists tend to be environmentally aware and also appreciate a budget-friendly form of transport!”
Find out more about our Cycling​ Friendly Employer programme.
