The Merseyway Workshop will be a DIY-style community hub in the heart of Stockport. Open to all, we will offer Greater Manchester a diverse range of creative workshops, drop-in activities and skill exchanges. A space to make, learn, share and inspire!
A reimagining of how creativity can breathe life back into our high streets and recapture community spirit after a time of crisis. Through a daily schedule of making and crafting activities, from woodwork to plastic up-cycling, ceramics to illustration, book clubs to yoga.
There will also be exciting opportunities to showcase local talent through our exhibition space and retail area. Telling the story of things made in-store and locally crafted products.
We want to create an accessible, age inclusive environment to socialise and nurture creativity, with free and low cost engaging activities.
The Merseyway Workshop is searching for funding for Phase One- for renovation of the ground floor and to kick-start our engagement activities.
What we'll deliver:
- Renovation on ground floor
- Materials and PPE for wood, plastic recycling/up-cycling, ceramics and textile workshops
- Kickstart activity programme and launch event
- Provide a free, bookable space to run workshops and events
- An exhibition space to showcase local and upcoming talent
- A bespoke retail unit offering hand made products
- Free bicycle maintenance drop-in workshop
- Phase Two we will look to expand and renovate the 1st floor
- Provide a creative community space for everyone
Why it's a great idea:
The Merseyway Workshop will be a space for the whole community.
A creative space that you can help shape and develop. Through our engagement with local people, from all walks of life, our programme of activities will evolve and grow to suit a diversity of needs.
As one of the first shopping centres in the UK and once a busy hive of activity, the Merseyway is an iconic destination. We want to return an element of ownership to the local community and a true sense of belonging.
The space is for anyone to come and connect with their neighbours by exchanging skills, ideas and inspiration. We value diversity, so we want to make sure that our workshops are accessible for all.
Learning new skills, getting creative and connecting with others on equal ground is so important for our individual and community wellbeing. We hope for people to feel a sense of belonging but also an increase in self esteem as they see their creations on display and develop their skills and friendships.
Steps to get it done:
- Purchasing materials and tools for renovation work
- Building workshop, retail and exhibition space and ensuring a safe environment
- Opening Merseyway Workshop to the community
- Delivering the first workshops and activities
- Welcoming local third sector groups to book the space
The Merseyway Workshop will be ran by Easy Peel Studio CIC and social enterprise Plastic Shed, who met through their shared interest in reimagining how a high street could meet the alternative needs of the community. With overlapping values for creativity, skill sharing and inclusive workshop spaces - the Merseyway Workshop was born!
The Merseyway Workshop aims to open its doors over two phases. Initially funds will be used to open the ground floor drop-in and shop area. From here you'll be able to access free peer led workshops in wood, plastic, crafts, painting, hand sewing, drawing, jewellery making and bike maintenance. Alongside this you'll find an exhibition space promoting local community groups, artists and makers plus there'll be a retail unit to purchase 'buy & make' items, with all proceeds funding the workshops expansion.
Phase Two will see us build and equip a large workshop, with multiple stations, tools and materials for a program of professionally led classes.
