We have found a home!
After a lengthy search, we have finally found the space to begin this adventure. We have moved into a 130 year old former church in a wonderful area of Belfast. The building needs a bit of work before we can open but we are making good progress. There's lots of peeling paint and damp to remove at this point, but we're already re-plastering and making repairs. Repairing and reusing are core values of Belfast Makerspace, so this is the perfect place for us. Follow @Belfast_Makerspace on TikTok and YouTube to see our progress.
The Plan
Before we can welcome all the lovely makers of Belfast, there is a lot of work to do. The focus at the moment is to get a functional workshop, kitchen, and WC.
Our goal is to have an early access opening by the middle of 2026 for 3 days a week. We want to see how everyone uses the space, so we can adjust the setup in a way that is intuitive to use and easy to find all the things you need to make anything, before we expand to opening 5 days a week. Once the workshop is setup, we'll start making the artists' studios which should be ready in 2027.
Fill in our questionnaire to help shape the space.
FAQs
What is a makerspace?
A makerspace is a place where people can come together to create or invent things, either using traditional crafts or modern technology. They are also known as hackerspaces, tech shops, community workshops, or fab labs. They foster a maker culture that values creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and networking.
Who are Belfast Makerspace?
Belfast Makerspace is run by husband and wife team, Sam and Kat. Sam is an experienced craftsman with a broad range of skills. His background in marine engineering provided a solid foundation in engineering principles, overlaid with years of hands-on experience in woodwork, metalwork, CAD and a wealth of crafts. Kat is an author and artist. Her previous career as a fisheries scientist developed skills in public consultation, technical research, and legislative governance.​
Can you make something for me?
Yes, Sam is available to take commissions, make props, do repairs and take on a variety of projects (within reason). Sam can do woodwork, metalwork, CAD, electronics, robotics and more. He specialises in unusual and interesting challenges. Send him a message at sam@belfastmakerspace.com for his consideration.
What can I do in the makerspace?
Belfast Makerspace will consist of a community workshop and several artists' studios. The space will be for you to work on your personal projects in a welcoming, inclusive space. In the workshop, there will be workbenches and a range of power tools and hand tools. You'll be able to do woodwork, crafts, leatherwork, electronics and much more. Examples of projects are: up-cycling a chest of drawers, repairing a coffee grinder, 3D printing a games set, laser-cutting a personalised sign, making a bird box, carving a wooden bowl. The space is for DIY, crafts, making, creating, art, repairing, research and development, prototyping and fabricating. Let us know if there is something specific you'd like to do and we'll see if we can facilitate it.
Who is the makerspace for?
The makerspace is for 1) Hobbyists and keen DIYers who do not have the space or equipment at home to do the craft activities they enjoy. 2) Professionals and entrepreneurs who need specialist equipment for some or all of their products, either in prototyping, assembly or finishing.
Belfast Makerspace will provide the equipment, knowledge and space so you can unleash your creativity.
Will you run any courses?
Yes. We plan on offering a range of courses from complete beginner to more advanced. If there is something in particular you'd like to learn, let us know.
How much will it cost?
Access to the workshop will be on a monthly subscription basis. We're still finalising the details but it's likely there will be several tiers. A few hours of access a month will cost less than unlimited access (within opening times), so you can pay for what you need.
