A SUSTAINABLE building offering a range of venue spaces for hire, events and training opportunities for businesses and individuals has opened.

More than 200 guests attended the launch party of the Host building at Heatherton Park Studios, Bradford-on-Tone.

They enjoyed live music, local ale, rustic food and a ping pong championship.

Site tours were given to show off the light filled rooms and drinks were served outside on the balcony overlooking stunning Somerset countryside.

Architecturally designed and energy efficient, the Host caters for a range of spaces for hire, hands-on workshops, events and conferences.

Bookings already confirmed include exhibitions that will be open to the public during Somerset Art Weeks Festival.

Claire Fear, architect and director of Host, said: “It is wonderful to be reminded of the diversity and expertise in our local area and exciting that we can look forward to seeing these thrive at this new, purpose built, venue.”

The Host venue boasts three contemporary rooms, all technically advanced, private and confidential, along with flexible and bespoke hire packages to meet the needs of its guests - including state of the art technical equipment and an array of catering options.

Between the rooms, the break-out spaces also create opportunities to reflect and guests can enjoy the permeant art collection, rotating exhibitions, a comfortable mezzanine with soft seating and, outside, a field and a climbable ancient oak tree.

Host shares the building with the architects who designed it and the Art Restorer, and building owner, who commissioned it.

Tim Everett, director of Everett Fine Art, said: "It was wonderful to celebrate the completion of the building which, after four years of seeking planning permission, took only 32 weeks to build.

"The spaces we have created are fantastic and achieving the high sustainability credentials of the building is a pleasing personal accomplishment.

"I am also delighted to be working in a premises which focuses on the art and conservation sector and we hope people will come and enjoy it with us.”