What if Oxfordshire was a healthy, thriving, just space for all for generations to come? That question drives us at Makespace. We’ve spent the last 18 months developing a long-term vision: to support communities across Oxfordshire to unlock space, build power, and shape a more just land and property system. Since 2018, we’ve reanimated 30 vacant buildings […]
All posts by Makespace Oxford
12 Days of Impact: A Look Back at 2024
As 2024 draws to a close, we’re looking back on some unforgettable moments and milestones made possible by the power of our community. The 12 Days of Impact is a celebration and appreciation of the achievements that have shaped the past 12 months. A huge thank-you to our partners, residents and wider community who made this year […]
We did it! Now it’s time to take George Street to the next level…
The news this week is all about George Street. On 15 October, at a planning committee meeting, Oxford City Council approved the plans for redeveloping 38-40 George Street. This is a major milestone for us at Makespace. George Street offers us our first opportunity to unlock a long-term purpose built civic space after years (and continuing work) […]
Resident spotlight: Katie Herring, Tribe Zero-Waste
Katie Herring, founder of Tribe Zero-Waste, opened the doors of her first brick-and-mortar shop in Faringdon two years ago. Since then she has gone from being the single operator of her business to having four part time staff. As she prepares to graduate from the Makespace community and move into a larger space nearby, we caught up […]
Open Doors 365: Our response to Oxford Open Doors
[You can also read this blog on Medium] Open Doors Weekend is a major event in everyone’s calendar. People get to pop in and explore some of the wondrous buildings we have on our doorstep. So, we wanted to take the opportunity this year to ask the question; What if Oxford’s resources and spaces were open all […]
Project Update: Creating a Civic Space on George Street
Last year, you celebrated with us as we announced the news of our first ever long-term space, within the wider redevelopment of 38-40 George Street in Oxford’s city centre. Now, we’re here to update you on our once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a new civic space for communities living and working in the city. We’ve been actively engaging […]
Coming soon: Makespace Resident Portal
Have you ever wondered who exactly occupies the multiple Makespace buildings across Oxfordshire? With over 200 residents breathing new life into them over the past six years, you’d be forgiven for not keeping track. But all of that is about to change… Launching next month, the Resident Portal is a digital ecosystem designed to showcase the brilliant, […]
NSEAD: Makespace Oxford South Abingdon Arts & Culture Project
National Society for Education in Art and Design Blog Dionne Freeman, Arts Manager at Makespace Oxford, explores The Abingdon Arts & Culture Project, a regenerative arts project designed to unlock the skills and knowledge of local residents and community groups. The South Abingdon Arts and Culture Project offers an alternative approach to how space can be used to unlock […]
Makespace Oxford x Stir to Action
Earlier this month our friends at Stir to Action hosted their debut festival The ABCs of the New Economy at the Arts Mansion in Bristol. We were delighted to be a part of it. This two-day interactive event centred around the theme ‘Battling for the Ownership of the UK’s New Social Infrastructure’ and brought together hundreds of […]
Unlocking Space for an Inclusive Economy
Lessons from the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…’programme Last month we dipped our fingers into our first ever session at this year’s Marmalade Festival – a week of events centred on social change and collaboration. It was an opportunity to invite those that shared and supported our journey through the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire…‘ programme, as well as those wanting […]