New community focused wood workshop opens in Plymouth

21st January 2020

A new business has opened in Plymouth that aims to provide specialist spaces for wood working and skill sharing.

The Albion Workshop CIC, which is based in Mutley Plain, is a creative facility that gives access to high quality, professional woodworking equipment.

Located in Unit 1 on Connaught Lane, The Albion Workshop was set up to give the public space for woodwork projects that they may not have at home, as well as access to tools and equipment that you wouldn’t usually find in a domestic setting.

Founded by Neil Dodd, a Plymouth based amateur luthier, The Albion Workshop began as a solution to the problems he faced when he had creative woodworking projects that he wanted to do, but no appropriate space to do them in. The idea of having a workshop and tools that could be shared with others has since grown into a business that will facilitate skill sharing and networking for the city’s community of creatives.

Neil said, “I had started building a guitar, but didn’t have the space to or the tools that I needed. I started buying up second hand tools - some that needed refurbishing - and before long I had filled the kitchen with them. I needed space to store them and use them properly, and once I had found a space to use I decided it would be better if I could share it with others.”

“We have now created somewhere where experienced woodworkers can make use of the machines and workspace alongside total beginners. Plymouth has a rich history of skilled men and women in engineering and crafts, as well as producing dynamic and vibrant community of creative students, graduates and entrepreneurs, and I’m really pleased to be able to share this facility with everyone in the city’s creative sector and beyond. We want to foster both experience and innovation, allowing people to develop their own skills and share knowledge with each other.”

The Albion Workshop will offer bench space rented by the day or half day with use of all machinery included. The unit also offers separate work spaces on the first floor, with “mini studios” available to rent on a monthly basis. 

Neil continued, “Our shop is really well equipped, from our compact table saw to a 1954 Wadkin Disc and Bobbin Sander we have just refurbished. The studios however are perfect for small businesses or sole traders needing a place to make, or even hobbyists who have outgrown their space at home. Anyone looking to make, mend, learn or even teach should get in touch with us to find out more.”

As well as offering a place for people to work on their own projects, the team behind The Albion Workshop will also run creative workshops, including skateboard building, due to launch in Spring 2020.

Bringing freelance art technician Ryan Curtis onto the project for technical support and carpentry advice, alongside Creative Director Lauren Taverner Brown, Neil also plans to collaborate with other creative businesses in the city. He said, “Plymouth has always been a creative city, but in the last few years lots more exciting creative and cultural organisations have established themselves here, and there is a growing and vibrant community of independent businesses in the city, with lots based in and around Mutley Plain - from breweries like Roam Brewery in Peverell and Bullet Proof Brewery which will soon open on Mutley to  places like The Printery - a new screenprinting studio, and Early Bird Cafe. It’s an exciting time to be part of the growing community of makers and independent businesses in Mutley.”

All members of The Albion Workshop will be required to complete an induction before using any machinery. Inductions will cost £50 which includes a two year free membership.

Inductions are now available to book on the 25 January and the 1 February.

Email info@thealbionworkshop.com to book or find out more on The Albion Workshop's website.