Based in Middlesbrough, Python Properties is headed by Peter Broome and Martin Johnson and is leading the way in business led cultural regeneration.

Martin Johnson explains, “We are keen to support the creative community in Middlesbrough, we feel we should give something back to the community that has helped make our business a success. We were already supporting Kitch-en, an art gallery, in one of our retail properties and we thought there was more we could do with the arts as it’s a particular area of interest for us. When the opportunity arose to develop the ground floor of Royal Middlehaven House we worked with Middlesbrough Council and The Sponsors Club and decided to create a gallery to show work and encourage visitors to the building.”

However while they wanted to give something back to Middlesbrough there were good business reasons behind the decision too.

“We also hoped that having a gallery with a bistro would be an attraction to potential tenants and that would be good for the building as a whole. We thought we could engage those tenants in our passion too.”

Working with Middlesbrough council and The Sponsors Club, Python Properties was able to secure some matchfunding to hire a curator for the gallery for its first year. A year in which the curator would work on making the space cover its costs via events.

The Python Gallery launched on 23 July 2007. The gallery provides quality exhibition space and delivers a rolling programme of shows and events with an emphasis on delivering the very best examples of creativity from this region and beyond, the Python Gallery aims to establish itself as a positive venture that will engage, inspire and provide a rewarding experience for all who visit. As well as exhibitions the venue has hosted book launches, poetry readings and has been used for meetings by organisations like the Chamber of Commerce.

So has the investment been worthwhile for Python?

“Absolutely,” says Martin. “The gallery has been fantastic, the building has had a huge range of visitors and some interesting exhibitions and events and we’ve really been able to show off what our vision is for our buildings.”

And tenants?

“Actually we’re now fully rented out, in fact Digital City were so keen to take over the remaining space in the building that Peter and I have had to move out of our office in order to accommodate them and find a new office for Python!”

Where next for Python then? Well, they have taken over the old Co-op building on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough, and, as part of its restoration to its art-deco roots, intend to have original art in the communal areas. They are also working on the old Dorman Long Steel Company headquarters at Cargo Fleet Offices, Middlesbrough Road. Again this will involve a total restoration of the property to its former glory, with part of the building being reserved for arts/heritage use.