New Mural Unveiled at SeaSpace, Celebrating Porth’s Community Spirit

Bold street art kicks off a new era for the aparthotel

In a vibrant celebration of local community and creativity, the newly transformed aparthotel SeaSpace, situated along Porth’s scenic coast, has revealed a stunning new mural that is already catching the eye of passers-by. The bold 11×8 metre mural, designed by local artist and teacher Phil Strugnell, captures the energy of Newquay’s emerging coastal art scene while paying homage to the area’s cultural spirit.

The unveiling of the artwork marks a fresh start for SeaSpace, which was formerly known as Sands Resort, a popular landmark on the cliffs between Porth and Watergate. SeaSpace’s team, led by community and partnerships manager Alison Payne, was keen to maintain the building’s well-known status while breathing new life into its aesthetic.

A Community-Driven Collaboration

Alison Payne spearheaded the project, aiming to form strong connections with the local community. She sought out talent that reflected SeaSpace’s creative aspirations, ultimately turning to Phil Strugnell, Head of Art at Newquay Tretherras School and an active participant in Porth and Newquay’s cultural activities. Phil’s vision for the mural aligned perfectly with SeaSpace’s desire to reflect community spirit through art.

Phil, assisted by his colleague John Bevan, designed and painted the mural over the course of 100 hours in challenging weather conditions. The duo worked through 20 stages of planning and design before taking to the scaffolding, ensuring that every brushstroke contributed to the sense of movement and vibrancy that defines the final piece.

The First of Many Creative Events

The mural is just the beginning of what SeaSpace plans to offer as part of its creative direction. The aparthotel is set to host a variety of artistic events and workshops throughout the autumn season, beginning with Phil’s Artist Residency on 9 and 10 November. During this residency, as part of the Be Newquay Festival, visitors and guests will have the opportunity to join free workshops that explore the techniques and inspirations behind the mural. The Be Newquay Festival, running from 1 November to 1 December, will showcase a wide array of artistic talent from the local area.

For Phil Strugnell, being involved in such a prominent project was a natural fit: “Working at the local secondary school, being involved with many cultural events around Newquay, and thankfully, the team at SeaSpace liking my style and visual language, all meant I was a good fit for the brief.”

A Bold New Chapter for SeaSpace

Ben Harper, CEO of SeaSpace, expressed his excitement about the mural’s completion, seeing it as a representation of the aparthotel’s bright future: “With its bold colour and vibrant feel, the mural really sets the tone for our ambition to shape a bold, vibrant new chapter at SeaSpace and put the venue back on the map for the Cornish community.”

As SeaSpace opens its doors for the first time, this mural not only signals the start of a new creative era but also reinforces its commitment to fostering a strong connection with the surrounding community.

To find out more about SeaSpace and the events lined up for autumn, visit the official SeaSpace website.

SeaSpace’s Facilities and What to Expect

As SeaSpace prepares to welcome its first guests in October 2024, the aparthotel has already started taking bookings. Prices for a stay start at £100 per night for two people in a studio, while larger studios, perfect for families, start from £180 per night. The accommodation offerings range from design-led studios and large studios to 2- and 3-bedroom apartments, all of which are dog-friendly.

SeaSpace promises an array of facilities to make each guest’s stay both fun and relaxing. Highlights include:

• A 19m swimming pool, with an indoor and outdoor children’s splash pool and hot tub.
• A fully equipped gym and studio offering fitness classes with membership options.
• A 5-court padel tennis club for both amateurs and enthusiasts alike.
• Indoor and outdoor play areas, including a family maze, an outdoor playground, and an indoor games room for children and families to enjoy.
• Dining options with a bar and restaurant serving lunch and dinner, plus the SeaSpace Café, offering breakfast, brunch, coffee, and lunch.

A New Lease of Life for a Local Landmark

Located between Porth and Watergate Bay, SeaSpace is being brought to life by renowned architects Kay Elliot and Cornwall-based interior design studios Dynargh Design and Kathryn Tyler/Linea Studio. This landmark site, previously the Sands Resort Hotel, is being transformed into a modern, experience-led lifestyle destination that aims to redefine what a coastal aparthotel can be.

SeaSpace is more than just a place to stay; it aims to offer an experience for guests to shape their own coastal story. From dawn swims and sunset cocktails on the terrace to curated food and drink from local favourites and impromptu outdoor cinema sessions, SeaSpace hopes to capture the energy of the Cornish coast while providing flexibility, style, and freedom.

Booking Information and What’s Next

SeaSpace is now accepting bookings for stays from October 2024. Visitors can expect a carefully curated experience combining high-quality design, vibrant community activities, and local culture. With the bold mural setting the tone for SeaSpace’s ambition to be a hub for both creativity and relaxation, this aparthotel is shaping up to be a standout destination on the Cornish coast.

For more information or to make a booking, visit SeaSpace’s official website or contact the team directly at brittah@sea.space.