Visit Us
Toma Project Space
Visit Us
TOMA used to have a project space in a shopping centre in Southend. The Project Space now operates nomadically, meaning our being in the space is dependent on funding to enable us to do so. This is our hub for group meetings + the TOMA education programme sessions alongside public exhibitions + events. Exhibitions throughout the year are overseen + curated by the small TOMA team. The last in the series of shows will be the TOMA cohort’s end of year exhibition.
The space is open on weekends during exhibitions + invigilated by volunteers. For the space to function we also ask participating TOMA artists to invigilate at least five times during their year on the programme. Within the project space there is a large bookable studio that will run as a time bank with the volunteer invigilation schedule.
Address: Unit 13 Royals Shopping Centre, High St, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1DG
Opening times: We are currently closed to the public, and the Project Space’s exhibition programme is now operating nomadically, from grant to grant.
Access
Arrival
The Royals is fully wheelchair accessible and all entrances and exits to the centre have automatic doors. The entrance closest to the TOMA Project Space is on Heygate Road. When you enter, we are three shops down on the left after Poundland.
At the front desk is a friendly member of the TOMA team, here to help you and answer any questions. Chairs can be provided if needed. Exhibitions at the TOMA Project Space are all on one level.
Toilets
Disabled toilets are located on the ground floor near TK Maxx, by the Pier Hill entrance. Separate baby changing rooms are also provided at this location. A dedicated baby feed area is available here, however we also welcome baby feeding within the space.
Covid
Relevant precautions have been taken to keep the the TOMA Project Space safe and sanitary.
Exhibitions
There is a large print and dyslexia-friendly exhibition guide, to be returned to the front desk. Unfortunately we do not currently have other access systems such as audio loops.
Assistance Dogs
Only assistance dogs are welcome in the Royals Shopping Centre and the TOMA Project Space.
Relaxed Times
As we are a small team and open primarily on the weekends, it is best for us to provide relaxed times on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, if there are any additional provisions we can implement, such as adapting the current exhibition’s lighting, sound, or movement, please email Emma emma@toma-art.com to arrange a time slot within our opening hours.
Transport
Trains
Southend Central train station on the C2C line is approximately a 5 minute walk to the TOMA Project Space. See network information here.
Southend Victoria train station on the Greater Anglia line is approximately a 15 minute walk from the TOMA Project Space. See network information here.
Taxis
There is a taxi rank immediately outside the entrance to the Royals on Heygate Avenue.
Buses and Coaches
The Travel Centre bus and coach station is immediately outside the Royals shopping centre. See network information here.
Driving
The Royals car park has designated bays for customers with more limited mobility. Lifts are available near the Pier Hill and Church Road entrances. The car park offers designated spaces for parents with small children.
Click here for printable directions for walking from the Royals car park to the TOMA Project Space.
To Do in Southend
If you are visiting the TOMA Project Space and would like to make a day of your trip to Southend, we have some recommendations for you. We are located on the High Street with numerous shops, next to Southend seafront with multiple attractions including the world's longest pleasure pier.
TOMA at the Beecroft Gallery in 2017.
Art
There are a vast amount of cultural venues to explore across Southend, consider visiting some of the ones listed below.
Our forever collaborators The Old Waterworks now host Open Access Tuesday’s for the public to use their library and risograph printer after you have completed a formal induction. Find out more about TOW here.
Focal Point Gallery in Elmer Square, Southend-on-Sea host regular contemporary art exhibitions and creative events for the public. You can find out more about their programme here.
Twenty One is a café and alternative cultural venue on the seafront. Founded by Focal Point Gallery in 2017, they display local artists work and promise a visually stimulating experience whilst you grab a tea or coffee. Find out more about Twenty One here.
Southend Museums and the Beecroft Gallery host a variety of exhibitions throughout the year exploring local history. Find out more about their current exhibitions here.
Metal Southend is short walk from either Chalkwell Station or a bus journey from Southend Victoria or Southend Central. Metal programmes a variety of events and workshops in their renovated Georgian building in the heart of Chalkwell Park. Find out what’s on at Metal here.
Eat & Drink
If fancy a drink or a bite to eat whilst visiting us in Southend-on-Sea, we recommend the following local businesses.
Utopia Coffee Longue is less than a minute away from TOMA Project Space. There you can find a range of hot and cold drinks, and a selection of café style meals with a range of options, including vegan friendly dishes. Find out more about Utopia here.
The Mews is a bar and grill roughly five minutes’ walk from the Project Space. The Mews, often referred to as Southend’s hidden gem, offers a great bar and dining experience Wednesday through to Saturday. You can find out more about the Mews here.
Craftwerk Beers is a great independent spot for beer or other alcoholic beverages at the end of a long day. They have beer on tap, as well as a fridge menu, and serve pizza and other snacks. Find out more about Craftwork here.
Cliff Pub is Essex’s only exclusive LGBTQIA+ venue. The Cliff Pub is a short walk from Southend Central and host various entertainment events throughout the year. Find out more about the Cliff Pub here.
Kingfisher Fish and Chips is a great spot to get a classic portion of fish and chips seeing as you’re in a seaside town. Find out more about Kingfisher here.
Sites and Attractions
Adventure Island is Southend’s very own small scale theme park. You can check whether its open when you visit by visiting the webpage here.
Southend Pier, the world’s largest pleasure pier, might be of interest if you have never been to Southend before. Find out more about the Pier here.
If these aren’t your sort of thing, Southend is also home to some interesting medieval sites. Prittlewell Priory is a must for any history buff. Find out more about the Priory here.
While the Priory is a short walk from Southend Victoria, Southchurch Hall and Gardens is also a short distance from the Project Space. Southchurch Hall is a medieval moat house, originally built in the fourteenth century. Find out more about the Southchurch Hall here.