After six years at Falmouth Wharves providing workspace, exhibition opportunities and community engagement for local and visiting artists, the Fish Factory Art Space is looking for new premises to continue its work.

Founder and director Rose Hatcher has launched an appeal in the hope that the local community of artists, musicians and residents of Falmouth will support the project in this transitional period.

Following the failure of controversial development plans for Falmouth Wharves, the site was bought by Keynvor MorLift (KML) and during the last year industrial works on the wharf have been increased, blocking public access to the creative businesses which have thrived there in the last five to ten years.

Although there are still 21 artist studios at the Fish Factory, which occupies a large first floor unit on the wharves, it has become essential to move the gallery and event space to new premises as a matter of urgency.

KML said: “We wish the Fish Factory the very best in relocation. We have supported the cultural enterprises at Falmouth Wharves but as the wharves continue their emphasis on commercial marine trades it’s the right thing for such a vibrant, public-facing art space to grow and develop in new and more suitable premises”.

Plans for a new Fish Factory are still in development but it is hoped that a more permanent home can be found by the end of the year. Rose has guided the Fish Factory from its conception in May 2011 as an open access visual arts venue to its current incarnation as an integral part of the local cultural scene.

Currently Fish Factory houses 21working artists’ studios including a pottery kiln, a darkroom, a gallery, community room and event space. Rose said: "Recent changes in ownership and direction to re-establish the area as a traditional marine based working wharf is something we totally support. However, this means that we now need to find a new home for the Fish Factory as art projects do not fit in with the new owner’s plans. We are now on a precarious month by month rental agreement that makes it almost impossible for us to plan long term projects.”

In the coming months, there will be fundraising activities, events and opportunities for artists. Rose urges interested parties to get in touch. “We’d love to hear from local creatives who feel they may have something to contribute to the new space," she said. "There’ll be opportunities for new people to get involved and plenty to see and do as we head into autumn. To keep up-to-date sign up to our email mailing list via our website fishfactoryarts.com, or social media @fishfactoryarts.”