Community makerspace & Fab Lab
A community makerspace turning ideas into reality.
Free public access Friday afternoons and all weekend. Workshops and machine hire by the hour during the week.
What we do
01
Education & Workshops
Hands-on sessions for schools, groups and the curious — from soldering to screen printing.
02
Digital Fabrication
Laser cutters, 3D printers and CNC in the core FabLab. Turn a file into a thing.
03
Technology & Society
Repair, reuse and rethinking waste — making with a lighter footprint.
Six labs, one roof
The labs
Diary
What's on next
Made here
Member projects
In the building
Who you'll find here
The Making Rooms is a community makerspace and Fab Lab in the heart of Blackburn. We give people the tools, skills and space to turn ideas into real things — and we work with partners, funders and universities to reach more communities.
Based with us
Wall art | Gifts | Decor Northwest Design High end Laser Cutting and Engraving
Engaging and mentoring young people 16-30 in volunteering opportunities across Blackburn with Darwen.
A team of producers, communicators and project managers who work with the people of Lancashire, and beyond, to bring great art to their doorstep.
Experienced Artist with a demonstrated history of working in public community arts education and the design industry. Skilled in Photography, Graphics, Logo Design, Art …
A unique celebration of making from the kitchen table to the factory floor. We present a programme that combines Art, Manufacturing, Making & Communities.
Tilt angle Drones are a company based in the UK who design, build and manufacture bespoke UAV systems and payloads
We work with
With support from
In the news
News
Blackburn technology hub set for create new £1.5m extension
A community creative hub where people learn technical and creative skills in everything from ceramics to 3D printing, mould-making and electronics could be set for a £1.5m expansion.
Making Rooms creative tech hub set for £1.5m boost
The Making Rooms awarded £50,000 to help tackle e-waste
The community space has received the grant from the 'http://www.timeaftertimefund.org.uk%20/' fund, created by Virgin Media O2 and charity, Hubbub, to boost projects that give unwanted tech a second …
Research
Featured in publications
Design Research with Imagination
We talk about our our collaborative projects, the challenges of funding, the importance of creating impact, and what it's really like to work with academics.
Gameful IoT Repair
Electronic Waste (e-waste) is the fastest growing waste stream worldwide, and the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is greatly accelerating e-waste production. IoT devices are often designed to limit repairability and shorten lifespans, resulting …
Hack Your Age : Older adults as provocative and speculative IOT co-designers
This research explores whether the co-design of provocative prototypes with older adults can scaffold critical thought concerning ethics, trustworthiness, security, and privacy of age-oriented Internet of Things products and services, and associated data-driven technologies.
Good to know
Frequently asked
Free public access
Plan your visit
Fri 13:00–17:00 · Sat & Sun 09:00–17:00
Free public access — no booking, no membership
Machine hire bookable by the hour during the week