Workspace is a shared DIY space in Hout Bay Cape Town, where members pay an hourly or monthly rate to make use of workshop facilities that include machinery for woodworking, engineering, pottery and glass art, laser cutting and 3D-printing.

In addition to a well-equipped workshop, Workspace has a gallery area at the entrance that is great local meeting place fuelled by home-roasted coffee and free WiFi. Comprehensive instruction and expert team members ensure a safe, rewarding making experience for drop-in makers as well as those embarking on longer-term projects, with Workspace as their hub.

Workspace follows the Business for Development model, which means encouraging existing artisans and trades people to utilise their skills by equipping them with the necessary tools, equipment and opportunities for enterprise development.

Situated in a creative hub in Hout Bay’s old fisheries district, Workspace is a permanent base for several local artisans and producers, who operate their small businesses from there and are involved in mentoring programs for community youth in the area.

Who's Involved? 

Craig Dunlop is the founder of Workspace and chief Maker Librarian. Trained in landscape design, he comes from a family of makers, and experiments in a range of practices, with a special interest in repurposing found objects.

His overwhelming passion, however, is for community development. Through his involvement in the Maker Library Network, he has been able to develop a global network of makers to act as mentors to Workspace’s youth members from the local community. In sharing skills and values, he hopes to stimulate local economic development by equipping young people with real practical skills and the characteristics to make them more employable.