Space to Make was a project to test the concept of a makerspace for Worthing.

Space to Make ran from 18 – 30 January 2020 and gave people a chance to try out digital tech, to find out what people are making and doing with it, to share ideas and promote collaboration.

Colonnade House is expanding in the next two years into a creative digital hub with ultrafast broadband connection and more space for people who work in the creative industries. Since opening in 2016, Worthing’s creative community has made great use of their creative hub – whether as a place to work, a place to exhibit, a place to network with others or a place to develop skills and knowledge.

Space to Make was an opportunity to explore the potential benefits that a makerspace could bring to this community through running a programme of events and activity by and for people in Worthing – from the perspectives of the public, professionals and the community. Through this we were asking – what do people want to make? What kinds of equipment should it have? How can it be made accessible? What kinds of benefits could it bring?

We worked with community organisations through Community Works, with creative industry professionals who work at Colonnade House and with Tech Resort who facilitated some of the activities, skilled us up, and provided their technical expertise and equipment.

The project was supported by Worthing Borough Council, West Sussex County Council, Adur & Worthing Trust and by the Crafts Council as part of their Make:Shift:Do programme.