The Engine Room, Southport’s new creative co-working and digital hub, will officially open its doors with a launch event at its studios in Wayfarers Arcade on Lord Street in Southport town centre on Thursday, 21st March 2024, between 4pm and 7pm.
With an iconic location, the collection of units to the arcade’s first floor will offer co-working desks, creative studios, workshops, meeting spaces and facilities for photography, podcasting, language learning, performance and more.
Schools, colleges and independent educators will also be invited to use the space for teaching craft and artisan skills.
The launch event will include open viewing of the facilities, refreshments, nibbles and a cash bar.
The Engine Room is open at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport, left by Dr Eric Lybeck. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Ian Parry of the Southport Learning Trust and Michelle Brabner from Southport Education Group will be the guest speakers, sharing insights into how supporting the development of new and existing skills in the town aligns with the Engine Room project.
Developed by CivED CIC, a Community Interest Company focused on activating disused spaces, The Engine Room will be instrumental in regenerating Wayfarers Arcade and its neighbouring Lord Street area.
The initiative is also focused on the retention of creative individuals and businesses in the Southport area, providing an alternative to commuting or relocating to Liverpool or Manchester to work.
‘Youth flight’ is a concern within the town, and it is hoped that by providing a space for honing skills and working remotely this issue can be minimised.
The Engine Room is open at Wayfarers Shopping Arcade in Southport, left by Dr Eric Lybeck. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The project is led by Dr Eric Lybeck, a Senior Lecturer at the Manchester Institute of Education, and Director of CivED CIC. He has been working closely with partners that include Southport BID and Southport College to bring the project to fruition.
Dr Eric Lybeck said:
“We’re looking forward to welcoming many creative individuals, businesses and education providers from the town to the launch event.
“This is very much a local project and we’re excited to share our vision for the facilities and how useful they will be to a wide range of individuals, educators and businesses. We’re also keen to hear ideas for the space from our visitors!
“The launch is, of course, also a great networking opportunity and a chance to find out what is happening within Southport’s creative space.”
- Tickets for the launch event are limited. To book your place, please visit the Eventbrite page: www.arcade-project.com/launch
- For more information about The Engine Room, please visit www.arcade-project.com
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