The Makers Technology and Innovation Hub
Makers’ Workshop has transformed into a technology and innovation hub for the North-West region.
The building’s new chapter as The Makers brings together four areas following a $4+ million refurbishment: the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA), the College of Business and Economics’ Tech Solutions Hub, a Business Incubator and a public demonstration space inside.
The community can experience an exciting program of technology demonstrations and events, progress business ideas, access specialised industry training and see our researchers working to solve industry challenges.
Discover the refurbished space during an upcoming tour! Visit Eventbrite to register.
Frequently asked questions
In 2021, Burnie City Council ceased its tourism operations on site – the Visitor Information Centre and Creative Paper Mill. This changed the traditional tourism-based business model of Makers’ Workshop. With little visitation, the retail shop, café, and the Makers’ program, could not be sustained. Burnie City Council continues to own the building, and the University - as the last remaining tenant of Makers’ Workshop - has been careful in considering the future use of the site. We were aware of the need for Makers’ to continue connecting with the community and for future activities to be true to the proud and extensive history of ‘making’ in the North-West. The future Makers is aimed at demonstrating and supporting the technology and innovation that our region is known for – agricultural technology, specialised manufacturing, and entrepreneurship in small business.
The technology and innovation focus of the new Makers’ involves:
- The Tech Solutions Hub which conducts training for local people and industry projects in technology, design and specialised manufacturing
- The Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) which will be undertaking laboratory science and developing agricultural technology on-site addressing regional food production and processing challenges
- A Business Incubator assisting new and existing local businesses to progress their ideas while hosting mentoring and networking opportunities
- A demonstration space showcasing technology from the region and hosting activities and events for the community
Over the period that Makers’ Workshop was closed, much planning, preparation, and stakeholder and industry discussions were underway. Burnie City Council approved a change of use application for the site (from tourism to education) in December 2021, along with a Development Application for minor external works in March 2022. Once the detailed floor plans and interior design were finalised with key stakeholders, the project went out to tender in December 2022. Fairbrother was awarded the $4 million+ refurbishment project and began construction activity in June 2023, with the refurbishment work now complete.
Community can visit the new Makers on a programmed basis during upcoming tour opportunities and events. Businesses and primary producers will be able to access training and participate in technology and design projects, while the demonstration space will allow community members to see and experience displays of technology relevant to our region during a programmed event. We are involving schools and community organisations and have a schedule of activities that everyone can participate in. Coffee and food options are available nearby at the publicly-accessible café operated by Unity on the ground floor of the university campus building (open Monday-Friday 8.30am - 2pm).
The $4 million+ refurbishment was funded entirely by the University. This activity forms part of our continued commitment to make West Park a vibrant community and educational precinct that offers unique and regionally-distinctive learning experiences that can be enjoyed by all.
Yes, the Makers building is still owned by Council. The University is leasing the space and pays rates for its presence and operations at West Park.
The refurbishment has helped bring the building’s new functions to life. The Makers is now fitted out with state-of-the-art labs where TIA is conducting agricultural research, as well as collaborative spaces for the Business Incubator where ideas can be developed and progressed. Modifications have also been made to host contemporary manufacturing technology and equipment as part of the Tech Solutions Hub, as well as new working environments for staff who are based on site. Minor alterations were made to the building’s façade and also to the loading dock area to include outdoor storage areas and fencing.
There are short-term spaces for visitors in the Makers car park along with designated permit areas (Mon-Fri, 7.30am - 4pm). Additional parking for visitors to The Makers is available in the main car park for West Park site users nearby. The eastern Makers car park has now been transformed into a community park that everyone is welcome to enjoy.
Absolutely! Please connect with us at Regional.Partnerships@utas.edu.au to learn more about how you can be involved in the space.
Much consideration has gone into this. It’s been important for any name change to reflect making, the heritage of Makers’ Workshop, and Burnie as the City of Makers. However, the ‘workshop’ element of handmade making has changed. Hence, the new Makers’ Workshop has been renamed The Makers Technology and Innovation Hub. This retains its well-known name, reflects the ‘modern making’ of the technology and innovation featured in the building, and respects its past of artisan making.
The role that Makers’ Workshop played in the arts and artisan ‘making’ will be progressed a short distance away at Burnie City Council’s new Cultural Centre located in the heart of the CBD.
We will be resuming community walks at West Park soon where you can discover the new campus building, precinct and The Makers. Everyone is welcome. Follow our Facebook page for upcoming dates.