For years, it was a place for children to play – but now the former home of the aMaizin! Adventure Park could become a playground for some of Jersey’s grown-up creatives.

The former adventure play barn is at the centre of plans for a new hub bringing artists, designers, freelancers and other creative businesses together “under one roof”.

When aMaizin! Adventure Park announced its permanent closure in 2024, its owners said: “Whilst we are unsure as to the eventual use of the building, we would like to see a use that continues to have a community feel.”

Pictured: Ms Cooke, a locally-based artist shared how, Under One Roof will aim to “to create, connect, and grow sustainable creative businesses.” (Danny Photo)

Now, two years later, Jersey-based furniture designer and maker, Gigi Cooke is hoping to make that wish come true.

Ms Cooke this month submitted a change-of-use planning application seeking to transform the old, unused space into a concept she has named ‘Under One Roof’.

From freelancers to designers and creative led-professionals or businesses, Ms Cooke is hopeful to pull together an array of artists, in a innovative set-up which she described as an a “incubator for creativity”.

By bringing them together, she hopes the project will encourage “cross industry synergy, shared knowledge, and meaningful connection, building a supportive and vibrant creative community”.

Ms Cooke explained that many creatives in Jersey work from home or in isolation.

“Like many creatives on the island, I’ve worked from home, balanced multiple roles, and felt both the freedom and the isolation that can come with building something on your own.”

Ms Cooke added that Under One Roof is her way of creating an inspiring and community rooted environment – “the kind of environment I wish had existed when I was starting out”.

Plans submitted for the site include private and open studios, flexible workspaces available on contracts or day passes, a gallery and events space, breakout rooms and what is described as the “social heart” of the building – a café.

Pictured: The Amazin Maze Adventure old play barn, which Ms Cooke hopes will turn into the Islands next new creative home.

For Ms Cooke, the vacant play barn represents a “rare opportunity” to create such a space without starting from scratch. Its out-of-town location also offers on-site parking and nearby bus routes.

“Re-imagining the former play barn allows Under One Roof to grow within an existing, well-built structure, transforming it into a permanent home for Jersey’s creative community,” she said.

Pictured: Ms Cooke’s intended designs, including open, flexible workspaces, as well as dedicated individual private studios.

And the ambition extends beyond providing desks and studios for those working in the creative industries.

Ms Cooke said that the project is also committed to sustaining community engagement, creating opportunities for the public to connect with creativity through exhibitions, events, and workshops.

“By opening our doors beyond our tenants, we aim to make the creative industry more visible, accessible, and inspiring for the wider community,” she said.

Deputy Lucy Stephenson, who represents the parishes of St Mary, St Ouen and St Peter, said she had recently met Ms Cooke and that it was “great… to hear about her community-focused vision for breathing new life into this much loved site at the heart of our constituency”.

“Jersey has a vibrant creative arts scene and it would be very positive to have a hub for the community in the west. I wish Gigi all the best with the project going forward,” the Deputy added.

The change-of-use application is now awaiting a decision from Planning.

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