THE building of a community-led arts venue on the East Quay, Watchet, has been recognised with a national architecture award.

The Onion Collective, the social enterprise behind the East Quay arts venue, has been named ‘client of the year’ by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the most prestigious award body in the architectural world.

East Quay comprises an art gallery, artist studios, education space, restaurant, and accommodation pods alongside Watchet Marina and was designed by Invisible Studio, with Ellis Williams Architects.

It had already won a RIBA regional award, as well as being named ‘South West Building of the Year’, and South West client of the year.

Judges praised it as ‘an uplifting model for community-led regeneration’ and noted completion of the project was largely due to the combined efforts of the Onion Collective and the local community, including schools, social clubs, and businesses.

Chairman of this year’s RIBA jury Denise Bennetts said: “Great clients are vital to creating buildings and places that make a difference to peoples’ lives.

“Congratulations to Onion Collective for their success and passion for enterprise and creativity.

“Their vision and dedication to creating meaningful change enabled Invisible Studio and Ellis Williams to deliver a model for exceptional community-led economic regeneration.

“East Quay is a fantastic example of how great architecture, collaboration, and co-creation can empower communities and deliver incredible, transformative benefits.”

Onion Collective director Georgie Grant said: “To be recognised nationally for the work that has been happening in Watchet with East Quay is a great honour, and we are proud to see our hometown celebrated in this way.

“We hope that communities up and down the country will believe that they, too, can build the buildings their places need.

“That development does not have to be for private profit, but can indeed be for community benefit.”