The Makers Yard
Craftsmanship Reimagined
A Modern Makers Space for Traditional Craft
We're at the very beginning of an ambitious idea: a makerspace and community hub dedicated to craftsmanship, heritage, and shared learning in the West Sussex area.
We're looking for people who want to help shape it.
The above photo is an AI render and not a real premiss (yet)
Our Vision
A Guild for the Modern Age
For centuries, towns and villages across Britain were built around their makers.
The blacksmith's forge. The tailor's shop. The carpenter's bench. The communal bakehouse.
Craft wasn't a niche hobby, it was how communities sustained themselves, built identity, and passed knowledge from one generation to the next.
Today, much of that has disappeared.
Our high streets are quieter. Our hands touch keyboards more often than tools. Many of us have skills and ideas in our heads, but nowhere to practise them. Others are searching for something more meaningful to do with their time, to make something real.
We believe the answer isn't just nostalgia, but revival.
A place to:
Learn old skills and new techniques
Create with your hands
Meet people who care about quality, craft, and making
Keep alive the spirit of shared knowledge
This is just the spark, and if enough people care and think like we do, it will become a living, breathing guild for the modern age revolving around four key pillars:
Revive Craft
Celebrate and preserve traditional skills
Grow Community
Connect people across ages and backgrounds
Build Skills
Real tools, real techniques, real outcomes
Do It Sustainably
Repair, reuse, and make things that last
Structure
How We'll Run It
We believe spaces like this belong to communities.
That's why the makerspace will run as a not-for-profit, with all funds reinvested into equipment, education, and events.
Over time, we intend to register as a charity, unlocking more funding, ensuring strong governance, and guaranteeing that the space will always serve its members and the wider community.
The exact format has not yet been finalised, but will likely be based around a monthly fee for access alongside desk rental and workshops.
Our Vision
What We're Working Toward
The Makerspace
Shared access to tools and well-equipped benches for woodworking, textiles, leatherwork, jewellery and more. The primary focus will be on hand work with minimal high tech machinery.
The Guild
A network of makers, teachers, and apprentices holding high standards and passing on skills, whilst also providing access to business and marketing resources to help those who wish to, or already are making their craft a business.
Workshops & Courses
From absolute beginner taster sessions to advanced masterclasses, focusing on traditional techniques and craftsmanship.
Food Craft & Hearth
Sourdough, fermentation, community feasts; a warm, social heart for gathering and sharing meals created with traditional techniques.
(Future) Taproom & Events
A modern guild hall atmosphere to gather, exhibit and celebrate the work of our community members and visiting artisans.
Planning
Roadmap
We're early. Join us to shape it.
Find the right space
With council and local support
Secure core funding & equipment
Grants, donations, sponsors
Select initial crafts
Wood, textiles, leather, jewellery, pottery, stonemasonry etc
Recruit teachers & artisans
Paid workshops, volunteer mentors
Run pilot workshops & open days
Prove demand, refine offer
Grow into a full guild hall
Events, food craft, partnerships
Timelines depend on premises and partners; your interest helps unlock both.
Join Us
Who We're Looking For
Makers & Artisans
Use the space, share your craft, build your business, or teach a class
Learners & Hobbyists
Try something new, build skills, meet people
Teachers & Mentors
Help train the next generation
Partners & Supporters
Space, funding, materials, sponsorships
Register
Join the Founding Community
We're collecting interest to demonstrate real local demand to councils and funders. If this excites you, add your name, we'll keep you updated and invite you to early workshops and events.
Questions
FAQ
Is this up and running?
Not yet. This is an early-stage project, we're forming the founding community and partners now.
Where will it be?
We're exploring premises in and around Burgess Hill and Sussex, working with local councils and landlords to find the right home.
How can I help today?
Register your interest, share the project, suggest venues, lease land/buildings, donate or loan equipment, or propose a class.