THE former chief executive of New Brewery Arts said opening the centre’s Barrel Store hostel, which led to her being recently named as Cirencester’s Business Person of the Year, is her ‘biggest achievement’.

Ali Russell, who won the top prize at the Cirencester Chamber of Commerce Business Awards in May, has since left her role at the arts centre after eight and a half years as she seeks her next big challenge.

“Building the Barrel Store was my biggest achievement,” said Ali, 50. “From designing it to raising the £1.8m to getting it all done on budget – I’m very proud.”

Cirencester’s first ‘boutique hostel’ opened its doors in April, replacing the Niccol theatre, and has already received guests from across the world.

The hostel gets its name from its spiral barrel-like staircase.

Ali said: “The building has always been part of Brewery Arts but for a long time has not been fit for purpose.

“For 20 to 30 years it’s been badly in need of some attention, and we came up with a number of options for what we could use the space for.

“I think the idea of the hostel really captured our imagination most.”

She added: “It was important for me for the building to retain its integrity and not be absorbed into a new development.”

Ali went on to say that the offer of new accommodation will mean more tourists and students can visit the town, as well as getting involved with activities and galleries at the art centre itself.

The project, originally pitched to trustees by Ali herself, was funded mainly through grants from The Arts Councils and Winstone Trust, with help from private donations.

It is currently the only hostel of its kind in the Cotswolds.

Not long after the award win, Ali took up her current post at Longfield hospice in Minchinhampton.

“I needed a new challenge after eight and a half years,” said Ali, who lives in Stroud with her family but originally hails from Scotland.

“I had a fantastic time at New Brewery Arts.

"It attracts 80 to 100,000 visitors per year so is a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun."