A new permanent creative hub bringing together more than 20 independent makers and businesses has opened in the heart of Hitchin.

Shop Small Studios has opened at 16/17 Market Place, next to Etcetera and forming part of the Churchgate Shopping Centre.

The venture follows the popularity of Shop Small Pop Up markets at Hitchin Town Hall and its Christmas pop-up shops on Churchyard Walk.

The new venue will give more than 20 local creatives the opportunity to have a presence in a prime town centre location without having to take on their own individual shop leases.

It also brings a previously unused Churchgate unit back into use.

Shop Small Studios combines retail space with working studios, an exhibition area and space for creative workshops.

Resident creatives making the venue their home include Cathy Smale, The Celestial Archive, Kim Raymont, Make Your Own Happy, Rebecca Morgan Garden Design, Squorn-artist and Studio SideFX.

The shop will sell a wide variety of products including candles, jewellery, stationery, toys, children's clothing, furniture, puzzles, homeware and art.

It will also stock Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, a specialist furniture paint, while new independent businesses are expected to be added each month.

Shop Small Studios founder and creative director Jemma Larkin said: "I'm so excited to be able to open Shop Small Studios, a new Creative Hub in the heart of Hitchin, building on the successes of our much-loved pop up markets and shops that we have run in Hitchin since 2022.

"I'm proud to have realised the next stage of our creative journey offering a more permanent space for the whole community to enjoy.

"Hitchin and the surrounding areas have a huge creative scene so Shop Small Studios aims to offer them a home.

"With makers and designers filling the retail area at the front, the space opens out to open studios where you can see designers and artists at work, an exhibition space at the back and a central table offering a host of creative workshops.

"It is a space that welcomes everyone to browse and take some time to yourself."

The opening has also been welcomed by North Herts Council, which says the concept gives small businesses the opportunity to showcase their work without the commitment of taking on their own lease.

Cllr Tamsin Thomas, North Herts Council's Executive Member for Enterprise, said: "We're thrilled that Shop Small Studios have found a permanent home in Hitchin.

"It's a great way to support local traders and bring more choice and vibrancy to the town centre."

Shop Small Studios is open from 10am to 4pm Tuesday to Thursday, 10am to 5pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. It is closed on Mondays.

The permanent opening comes as the future of Hitchin's Churchgate Shopping Centre and surrounding town centre area continues to be a major focus locally, with efforts underway to make better use of units and encourage more people into the town centre.