A non-profit makerspace in Machynlleth known as Machspace has received a £24,000 grant to oversee running costs for the next two years.

Set up by four volunteers, the organisation has moved into a premises in the centre of Machynlleth after secured a grant of £24,000 from the Social Value Forum Development Fund.

A grand opening for the new premises, in the Old Town Halls building in Penrallt Street, will be held on October 6, where people can visit the new home, explore the equipment and sign up to become members.

OTHER NEWS:

Machspace co-director Cassian Lodge said: “Machynlleth is the perfect place for a makerspace, everyone is so crafty and eco-minded that I’m surprised we don’t already have one.

“I’m so ready to drink tea and knit on the sofa while 3D-printing something extremely niche and specific.”

A makerspace is a community workshop focused around making and mending, containing equipment and materials. Members can sign up, pay a monthly fee, and can then access the space and use the equipment freely. The grant will allow Machspace to function and accommodate its members for the next few years.

Another Machspace co-director, Avery Rowe, added: “I've been wanting a makerspace since I moved here over three years ago, but I didn't quite believe it would ever happen. I just love making stuff, and meeting other nerds who also love making stuff.”

Specifically, the Social Value Forum Development Fund grant will allow Machspace to local people on low incomes to join the makerspace on a pay-what-you-feel basis.

The grant also follows a successful fundraising campaign, which garnered £1,661 which will help with startup costs and purchase of woodworking equipment and furniture.

Directors Cassion Lodge, Avery Rowe and Katy Fowler collected the keys to their new premises on Friday, September 1.

Katy Fowler said: “The atmosphere at our open days in the Bowling Club has been so lovely, with such an array of projects worked on, I'm really excited about the making community that can grow, now that we have a permanent space of our own.”