Northwich is set to welcome its first ever high-tech community workshop.

Also known as a ‘makerspace,’ it is intended for people who are interested in making things, inventing, arts, crafts or being creative with technology.

The project is being managed by Jonathan Shone, a Northwich-born businessman and proprietor of Shadow Foam Ltd in Anderton.

Though premises at Cosgrove Business Park have already been secured, Jonathan is launching a crowdfunding page to get the project up and running.

Jonathan said: “You can go there either to work alone in a safe and supportive space, or to find a community who likes the same things you do.

“It will have all the tools, equipment and resources on hand, so it’s a level playing field for anyone, even if they don’t currently have access to tools themselves.”

The Northwich makerspace aims to provide a tech area, or ‘FabLab,’ with professional 3D printers and a laser that can cut MDF, acrylic, vinyl and leather up to 1.2m in size. 

There will be a woodworking area with a table saw, band saws, planers, a woodturning lathe, router table, drill press and bench sanders, along with hand-held power tools. 

There is also a plan for a craft zone and multi-purpose studio which can be used for tabletop crafts and hobbies.

The project aims to provide free super-fast wifi for all members, and there will be a fully fitted kitchen with hot and cold drink and snacks.

Renovation works on the premises have already begun, and Jonathan intends to have the makerspace fully open by December.

He said: “We want to open the space with healthy number of founding members, ensuring we have a strong community right from the outset.

“We can’t do this without the people of the town! If you want to be a part of the Northwich Makerspace becoming a reality, or if you know anyone who this would be perfect for, please let them know about it, and visit us at our crowdfunding page to register your interest.”