Two Years of Make Huyton Village

Make Huyton Village turns two! And as luck would have it, so does my own two-year workaversary as Project Lead. Reflecting on the past couple of years as Project Lead for Make Huyton Village, fills me with a warm fuzzy feeling! This is all down to the wonderful creative community we have built here, who are so generous and kind, talented and dedicated. This has allowed me to lift my head and look around for new local collaborators, partner organisations and friendships, as well as nurture our existing ones.

Expanding Our Creative Community

Our spaces now host 20 diverse residents, including independent artists, designers, illustrators, performers, jewellers, coders, programmers, community- and arts organisations and publishers. Their presence has enriched our community, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Our Innovation Lab has become a cornerstone for our makers and creators, equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutter, CNC machines, and various hand- and power tools. This year, we are launching a membership program, providing the wider creative community with access to these resources for fabrication and prototyping. Make sure you follow us on socials and sign up to the Make CIC newsletter to find out more! 

We’ve also introduced classes on utilising high-value tools, empowering audiences to bring their ideas to life. In the autumn of 2024 we ran 3D printing- and laser cutting for beginners, which were ran by two of our talented residents here at Make Huyton Village. 

2024 began with the Winter Wellness Workshops, a series of classes delivered at Make on the Corner, our satellite space on Derby Road.

And 2025 was kicked off with Textile Transformations workshops, a partnership with Roberts Recycling. The project is funded by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA). Participants of the three workshops repurposed fabrics donated by Roberts Recycling into new creations, developing skills in upcycling while fostering social connections. The project culminated in an exhibition celebrating participants’ achievements and promoting sustainability.

Tech, Tools & Teamwork, funded by Ford, is designed to support individuals facing long-term unemployment, this structured 8-week course combines hands-on training in digital fabrication with coaching in teamwork, communication, and confidence building. We are delivering Tech, Tools & Teamwork in partnership with Transform Lives Company and the first instalment will start in May this year.

Once Upon a Plant, run by the incomparable Agnieszka, joined us in May 2024 and manages our shop, where she continues to showcase the incredible talents of our residents, offering handmade products crafted on-site, as well as selling her beautiful house plants and accessories. It’s a platform for makers to present their work to the wider community, and we’ve expanded our offerings to include pieces from guest sellers across our sister spaces, Make North Docks and Make Hamilton. The shop embodies our commitment to celebrating artistic endeavour and the creative community in Knowsley and beyond. You’ll find Once Upon a Plant at the front of Make Huyton Village, open Wednesday to Saturday, 11am to 3pm.

Make on the Corner: A Community Space

The past 12 months at Make on the Corner, our event- and community space located at 22 Derby Road in Huyton Village, have been a whirlwind of creativity, collaboration, and community impact. 

Since opening its doors the space has hosted a variety of workshops, exhibitions, and events, offering everything from hands-on craft sessions to business support. 

Highlights have included Christmas card painting workshops, a pop-up sweet shop, exhibitions, rehearsals, photo shoots, meetings, dance classes, and so much more. 

As a key part of Make CIC’s presence in Huyton Village, Make on the Corner has solidified its role as a welcoming, inclusive space where people can learn, connect, and create. We welcome bookings and hires – please contact us at hello@makecic.org 

As we edge further into 2025, we’re excited to further develop our facilities. We’ll continue to host Open Days, inviting the community to explore our space and engage with our residents. Our commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and community remains steadfast, and we eagerly anticipate the new opportunities the coming year will bring.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. Your support and enthusiasm fuel our mission to make Huyton Village a beacon of creativity and community spirit in Knowsley.

Get in touch for more info on studio spaces hello@makecic.org book on to one of our next open days: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/make-huyton-village-open-days-tickets-657733256877