Enfield Council wants to help residents learn new skills and come together with other local makers and creators

Chinelo Anyanwu shows off her sewing skills at Ordnance Unity Centre

A new ‘makerspace’ has been launched by Enfield Council at Ordnance Unity Centre Library in Freezywater to help residents develop their creative projects and learn new skills alongside like-minded people.

Budding writers, music makers, photographers, jewellery makers and editors celebrated the official opening of space in Hertford Road as the council’s cabinet member for public spaces, culture and local economy, Chinelo Anyanwu, joined a bracelet-making workshop and demonstrated her own skills on a sewing machine.

A makerspace is a place where people in the local community can gather to co-create, share resources and knowledge, work on projects and network.

The council’s Makerspace project began earlier this year with various taster workshops available including sewing, where participants learned how to thread a sewing machine and how to complete different stitches. Other popular activities include workshops on podcasting, photography, coding and writing.

Cllr Anyanwu said: “Libraries are not just about books. They are a wonderful wealth of resources, and the official launch of our fantastic creative Makerspace project clearly demonstrates that libraries provide and offer many fantastic resources for our residents.

“I’m very pleased the council has provided the new Makerspace collaborative workspace for residents to learn new skills and participate in activities where they can develop new friendships. It has been great to see people come together in a creative environment.

“The activities on offer provide technological resources that will empower and improve people’s chances of economic success, job prospects and social mobility. I hope as many residents as possible will access and participate in the activities on offer in the future.”

Makerspace has been funded through money received from developers via the Community Infrastructure Levy (Cil).

Residents are invited to participate in any future Makerspace sessions, but are advised to call on 020 3987 9754, in advance to ensure a space is available on their chosen workshop. Times may be subject to change.

The Makerspace monthly programme:

Sewing – first Monday of every month, 11.30am to 2pm;
Jewellery – last Tuesday of every month, 12.30pm to 2pm and 2.30pm to 4pm;
Coding club – last Tuesday of every month, 4pm to 5.30pm;
Photography – last Thursday of every month, 2pm to 4pm;
Music production – last Saturday of every month, 2pm to 4pm;
Writers’ workshop – last Friday of every month, 1.30pm to 3pm.

For more information on the council’s libraries service and Makerspace:
Visit enfield.gov.uk/services/libraries

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