Creative tech hub's £1.5m expansion approved

Since opening in 2016, the community interest company has helped tens of thousands of people develop skills

A £1.5m expansion to create a fully accessible community hub where people learn technical and creative skills has been given planning approval.

The Making Rooms hub in Blackburn, Lancashire, will teach disciplines from ceramics to 3D printing, mould-making and electronics.

Permission has been granted for a major extension at the Exchange Street premises, adding two new levels to make full use of its basement and rooftop.

The expansion will more than double the existing capacity, creating over 10 new workspaces in the characterful former bank vaults in the basement and introducing a brand-new rooftop floor with a study room, breakout space, and outdoor terrace.

The rooftop development will also become a dedicated Eco Lab, with a strong focus on sustainability, biomaterials, and experimentation with innovations like robot farming equipment.

'Niche offer'

The Blackburn with Darwen Council planning officer's report said the hub "provides a niche offer that provides workspaces for small creativity, technology and advanced manufacturing businesses".

"The presence of this facility promotes innovation and ingenuity within the community alongside the creation of new skills, businesses and employment opportunities," it said.

"Therefore, any proposals aimed at boosting the longevity of this valuable facility are wholly welcomed."

Making Rooms director Tom Macpherson-Pope said he was "absolutely thrilled".

"What started as a pipe dream has now become a reality, and we can't wait to begin the next chapter of The Making Rooms," he said.

Since opening in 2016, the community interest company has helped tens of thousands of people to develop their skills, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.