---
title: About Us
subtitle: Who we are, and what we do
show_big_cta: true
---
## What is a hackspace?

A hackspace, also known as a hackerspace or makerspace, is a collaborative workspace where people with common interests, often in computers, technology, science, or digital or electronic art, can meet, socialize, and work on projects. These spaces provide a physical location for individuals to share resources, tools, and knowledge.

Hackspace environments typically have a variety of equipment, including 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking tools, electronics components, and more. Members of a hackspace community often come from diverse backgrounds and may include hobbyists, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs. The goal is to create a supportive and creative environment where people can bring their ideas to life and collaborate on innovative projects.

Leigh Hackspace has been created with these concepts in mind. Since 2015 we've provided a space for the Leigh (and wider) community to use to 'do cool stuff'.

## History of Leigh Hackspace

The first meetings of Leigh Hackspace took place in late 2014 at Cadence Cafe, Tyldesley, following the creation of a Facebook Group 'Leigh Virtual Hackspace'. After two such 'hacking' meetings, the founders were offered the temporary share of a derelict shop at on Market Street by the Leigh Building Preservation Trust as part of a wider empty shop scheme. The trust used some of the space to publicise their drive to restore Leigh Spinners Mill.

{{< image src="shop.jpg" >}}

The official opening ceremony took place on February 13, 2015. The establishment of the shop provided an opportunity for us to promote awareness of the hackspace and its objectives and the space gained popularity in response. Over time we took over all the space in the store, and the growing demand prompted us to initiate a search for new premises.

### The Cotton Mill

In early 2016, the hackspace moved from the shop to a 4000sqft dedicated space in [The Cotton Mill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mather_Lane_Mill). The official opening was on Friday 12th February and was celebrated with an Open Hack evening and other events.

{{< image src="cottonmill.jpg" >}}

The Cotton Mill was large enough to have dedicated areas for the darkroom and wood work. Over the years we ran several events, including Raspberry Jam days, Maker Markets, hack days, quizzes, and even a film screening in association with Leigh Film Society.

The mill was a great home for the hackspace until 2019, when again we outgrew the space and was looking for something better.

### Moving to Leigh Spinners Mill

[Leigh Spinners Mill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leigh_Spinners) was being redeveloped by the Leigh Building Preservation Trust into an arts and local business centre during 2018, and the hackspace agreed to take space in the mill once it was able to. 

The initial build-out happened during November 2019, but was paused early 2020 due to the global pandemic. Only during the latter part of 2022 was the hackspace able to return to fitting out the space, due to several building issues that prevented people working in the mill. 

{{< image src="buildout_1.jpg" >}}

### Leigh Hackspace '3.0'

The '3.0' hackspace opened Feburary 2023 and now consists of three units on the third floor of the mill. A shared main space, a workshop and craft area, and a social space. Some areas were still being built out, but the space was now open for members to use.

In early July the [electronics bay]({{< ref "/facilities/electronics" >}}) was completed giving members a wide selection of tools and components for any projects they are created. Then in November the [darkroom]({{< ref "/facilities/darkroom" >}}) was finally fitted for power and could be used by our members.

## Looking to the future

The hackspace will always be in a fluid state as we think of additional ways to utilize the space available to us. Our on-going aim is to foster relationships with the mill residents and the wider Leigh community. 