Operator of Peterborough community work centre HackSpace vows to fight for venue after its shock closure

Facility faced financial struggle due to Covid-19 restrictions
Paul Grinnell
By Paul Grinnell
Published 16th Sep 2022, 16:27 GMT
Updated 16th Sep 2022, 16:47 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The manager of a community-based workspace in Peterborough has vowed to fight to save the much-used technology hub after its shock closure.

The pledge comes from Tyler Clark, director of HackSpace based at Unit B, at the Peartree Business Centre, in Enterprise Way, Bretton, after users arrived on Wednesday to find the locks had been changed and a notice of forfeiture posted on the door.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

HackSpace is a registered community interest company with about 70 members and provides space for metal and wood working, electronics and 3D printing. It also operates a cafe.

Most Popular
Tyler Clark at the HackSpace, in Bretton, Peterborough, is fighting to reopen the facility.Tyler Clark at the HackSpace, in Bretton, Peterborough, is fighting to reopen the facility.
Tyler Clark at the HackSpace, in Bretton, Peterborough, is fighting to reopen the facility.

Mr Clark said: “We didn’t get any inclination that this was about to happen.

“We have been completely blindsided by this.

He added: “Everything is all a bit up in the air at the minute while we try to get a plan in action and funds together to ensure our community's survival.

“It's been an intense two days.

“My main concern is how we move forward to help our members carry on in the space.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I am currently talking with a solicitor about the eviction.

“Our aim is to stay in the building and keep providing the service we do.”

It is thought the closure is linked to rent that is outstanding on the premises.

In a video statement on HackSpace’s Facebook site, Mr Clark explained that during two years of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions the centre had been forced to shut along with many other businesses during the pandemic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But he said as the company was only a few months old it had not been eligible for much of the financial support that had been made available nationally.

He said the annual rent on the centre was about £20,000 and that about £20,000 was still owing.

But he said: “We haven't missed a beat with our rent since the lockdown lifted and have been paying extra on top.

"Throughout the pandemic we had other costs to pay, for instance £400 a month on our internet connections. It has not been easy.

He added: “I am doing all I can to get us back on our feet.”

Related topics:Peterborough