A destination dedicated to designers and makers is set to open at Manchester’s Kampus Build to Rent neighbourhood, where people will be able to gather, design, make, collaborate and shop. Split over two floors, Makers Quarter is targeted towards creatives, from those running independent businesses to those who want to try new hobbies. It will be a one-stop-shop for hand-crafted products, with a deli and coffee shop, a 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 first base, set up in Salford in 2017. Founders Sophie Mason and Stephen Hobson (who met at the University of Manchester 18 years ago) started their first business venture restoring vintage furniture.
The idea for Makers Quarter stemmed from a desire to be around other creative businesses, after Sophie and Stephen began to feel 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 two problems experienced by creatives in Manchester.
“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.”
Sophie Mason, Co-Founder, Makers Quarter at Kampus
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. First-floor member studios will bring together creatives and provide access to shared machinery and tech including 3D printers and laser cutters. The studio members will also have access to equipment downstairs including kilns, potter’s wheels, screen printing facilities and a textiles room.
Pay-as-you-go workbenches: An alternative take on co-working spaces, 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 and candle-making workshops.
Coffee shop, deli and concept store: A coffee shop at the Makers Quarter entrance with views into the makerspace and 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.
“We also want to encourage an interactive shopping experience so visitors can not only come to shop for homewares, but can also create them. Set alongside the other independent brands housed at Kampus we couldn’t be in better company.”
Stephen Hobson, Co-Founder, Makers Quarter at Kampus
Developed by HBD and Capital&Centric, the £250m Kampus neighbourhood is now complete – with over 500 Build to Rent apartments across five character-packed buildings. Makers Quarter will occupy a split-level store between Pollen Bakery and Nell’s pizza.
“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 its kind in Manchester – a haven for creatives who want to collaborate. It’s 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.”
Adam Higgins, Co-Founder, Capital&Centric
The neighbourhood has featured pop-ups, parties, cultural events and openings – with Pollen, The Beeswing wine bar and Yum Cha opening their doors.
