A FIRST-of-kind destination dedicated to designers and makers is set to open at Manchester’s Kampus garden neighbourhood, with visitors getting the chance to get hands on and seasoned pros a space to thrive …. A place to gather, design, make, collaborate and shop.
Split over two floors, Makers Quarter will be a haven for creatives of all kinds – from those running independent businesses to those who want to try their hand at new hobbies. It’ll be a one-stop-shop for lovers of hand-crafted products, complete with a deli & coffee shop; concept store featuring items made on site; a schedule of creative classes; and studios for indie businesses to rent.
Makers Quarter at Kampus – the garden neighbourhood developed by Capital&Centric and HBD – will build on its successful first base, set up in Salford in 2017. Founders Sophie Mason and Stephen Hobson (who met at the University in Manchester 18 years ago) started their first business venture soon after, restoring and reimagining vintage furniture.
The idea for Makers Quarter was born out of a desire to be around other creative businesses having felt isolated in their original workshop. Returning to Manchester, the couple embarked on finding the right space to set up their concept for “Creative Coworking” under one roof with shared facilities. They found impractical spaces and isolation were the two major problems experienced by many creatives in Manchester.
Co-founder Sophie Mason, said:
“Our intention for Makers Quarter Kampus is to give the creatives of Manchester a permanent city centre home. Space to design, create, make, teach, learn and sell – somewhere to settle in and be proud of. With the studios upstairs, shared facilities, classes, a concept store and deli downstairs, it will have a really creative buzz about the place, we can’t wait!
“People are becoming more mindful of the products they buy and we want our concept store “Kolab” to support this. Visitors will have a destination where they know every product on the shelf supports a local or independent business, hand-made and carefully curated.”
Co-founder Stephen Hobson, said:
“We also want to encourage an interactive shopping experience so visitors can not only come to shop for homewares they can create them. Set alongside the other independent brands housed at Kampus we couldn’t be in better company.”
It’s all part of a national resurgence of love for all things handmade and supporting locally-made goods, helped by the likes of TV shows such as The Great Pottery Thrown Down and Sewing Bee.
Makers Quarter at Kampus, planned to open later this year, is set to feature:
- Design and Maker Studios: For monthly rental and perfect for hands-on crafts like Art, Photography, Pottery, Upholstery, product making or more digital and design-led businesses. The first floor member studios will bring together like-minded creatives and provide access to shared machinery and tech including 3D printers and laser cutters.
- The studio members will also have access to all the equipment downstairs including kilns, potter’s wheels, screen printing facilities, a textiles room and much more.
- Pay-As-You-Go Workbenches: A creative take on co-working space, with the option of ad-hoc use on a membership basis accessing various equipment and facilities. This will be booked via an online system.
- MQ Classes: A full programme of classes for visitors, including ceramic workshops run by local experts at eight pottery wheels; upholstery classes; jewellery making; candle-making workshops and many more.
- Coffee Shop, Deli and Concept Store: A bustling coffee shop at the Makers Quarter entrance with views into the makerspace and ever-evolving Gallery exhibiting local artists’ work. The coffee shop will neighbour the concept store, selling hand-made collections from a variety of independent makers including interior finishes, furniture, candles, textiles and art.
Developed by HBD and Capital&Centric, the £250 million Kampus neighbourhood is now complete – with over 500 apartments for rent across five character-packed buildings. Makers Quarter will occupy a split-level store between Pollen Bakery and Nell’s pizza.
Adam Higgins, co-founder at Capital&Centric, said:
“We promised an eclectic melting pot of indie businesses at Kampus and we’re proud of how it’s shaping up. Makers Quarter will be a sterling addition to the line-up and the first of a kind in Manchester – a haven for creatives who want to collaborate. It’ll brilliant to welcome artists, potters, furniture-makers and an army of creative talent to new, modern workspaces in the heart of the city, set right alongside the foodie offer from the much-loved neighbours.”
The neighbourhood is riding high from a year of pop-ups, parties, cultural events and openings – with Pollen, The Beeswing wine bar and Yum Cha opening their doors.
To book a viewing visit www.kampus-mcr.co.uk.
