Having already opened a site based on Gravel Lane near Aldgate earlier this year, our dream is now to create a multi-purpose creative space in Hoxton with a small café and co-working area alongside various tools, workshops and other resources for makers. The money raised would enable us to buy all the equipment needed to fit out woodwork, photography and textile workshops as well as starting our tool library and storage space for scrap materials. This would be led by a new community interest company that will focus on providing access to resources, courses and workshops for the local community as well as the members of Benk + Bo. In particular, we hope to encourage people to make use of other people's leftover material and develop a non-restricted approach to making and creating. We are immensely proud of the creative collaborations and partnerships we have supported already, and we’re excited about the new creative potential this project will add.

What we'll deliver:

• Purchase equipment, workbenches and supply labour needed to fit out our new co-making and workshop spaces.
• Help transform a derelict car park into a vibrant co-making facility and creative hub.
• Create our tool library for members and the local community to donate to and hire from at affordable prices.
• Launch courses and workshops to teach new skills and craftsmanship to our members and other visitors across the year.

Why it's a great idea:

This space is desperately needed, particularly in the area around Hoxton, as this has long been the creative district of one of the world’s most diverse cities. Over the last ten years, East London has gradually lost much of the space suitable for craft and artisan enterprises. We hope to encourage everyone to learn a craft regardless of whether it is as a hobby or professional use. We have been inspired by the numerous stories of young creative people, who had their project, passion or ambitions ruined because they didn’t have access to the tools or space needed to be able to progress. From the very beginning, we have had the maker and craftsmanship in mind, and this is why we are excited about the prospect of building these new workshop areas and a tool library. The public café, which sits alongside the workshop spaces, will provide a point of entry to help demystify the craftsmanship culture and inspire people to find their unfulfilled potential.

Steps to get it done:

• Finalise agreements with landlord (Hackney Council) who will then commence their schedule of work on the building.
• Engage members and collaborators to identify their needs and help finalise our business plan and schedule of activities.
• Pre-sell a selection of packages including courses/workshops and create a register of interested supporters.
• Finish the crowdfunder and begin purchase the new equipment and necessary storage.
• Commence the fit out of spaces so that they can be converted into multi-purpose workshop and event spaces.
• Hold a launch party and open our new multi-purpose creative arts and co-making space!