Opening of East Quay in Watchet delayed due to labour and supply challenges

The Onion Collective has been constructing the East Quay complex near Watchet harbour, comprising two new galleries, 11 artists’ studios, a restaurant and five self-catering holiday pods.

The venue – whose construction was partially funded by a district council loan – was due to open its doors to the public on Saturday (September 4).

READ MORE: Onion Collective plans to host launch party for East Quay, Watchet

READ MORE: East Quay, Watchet, set to open this summer

But this grand opening has now been postponed to later in the year following issues with the construction.

The not-for-profit group issued a statement confirming the postponement over the August bank holiday weekend.

A spokesman said: “The delay has been caused by labour and supply challenges, which means that we cannot open the building with the necessary building regulations.

“We can only apologise for any inconvenience this may have caused you. We are hugely grateful for your continued support and we will be in touch again soon with updated plans.”

The East Quay facility has received funding from numerous public bodies, including Arts Council England, the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the government’s coastal communities fund.

West Somerset Council agreed to lend the Onion Collective £1.5M towards the construction in February 2019, in one of its last actions before being replaced by Somerset West and Taunton Council.

The Onion Collective has not indicated how soon the venue could open in light of the construction issues.