The Engine Room

A co-working digital hub for creatives.

For more information, visit The Engine Room website.

Academics from The University of Manchester, in collaboration with Southport Business Improvement District (BID) launched a co-working digital hub to kickstart regeneration.

Situated in a heritage shopping arcade, The Engine Room is a co-working and co-learning space designed to counter the trend of creatives leaving Southport for employment and opportunities.

Developed by CivED CIC, a community interest company focused on activating disused spaces, The Engine Room will be instrumental in regenerating Wayfarers Arcade and its neighbouring Lord Street area.

It forms part of a strategic effort to produce a generative ‘civic ecology’ where creative and digital entrepreneurs can start and scale new industries locally. ‘Youth flight’ is a concern within the town, and it is hoped that by providing a space for honing skills and working remotely this issue can be minimised.

The Engine Room is led by Dr Eric Lybeck, a Senior Lecturer at the Manchester Institute of Education, Director of CivED CIC, and resident of Southport, in collaboration with Southport BID, Southport College and Wayfarers Arcade.

Designed by experts at the Manchester Urban Institute, the collection of units to the Arcade’s first floor will offer co-working desks, creative studios, workshops, meeting spaces and facilities for photography, podcasting, videography and more.

Schools, colleges and independent educators will also be invited to use the space for teaching craft and artisan skills.