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Plans for new ‘Digital & Creative
Hub’ in Carn
17.06.20
SPRAOI agus Spórt have
developed exciting new plans for a €450k ‘Digital &
Creative Hub’ in Carndonagh which will support local
entrepreneurship and the creative economy. It is
hoped the hub will be a key economic driver in the
recovery of the town and surrounding areas following
the Covid-19 crisis.
The aim is for the hub to incorporate a ‘FabLab’
(digital fabrication laboratory & technology
centre), a 'Creative Workspace' (for local artists,
designers and craftspeople) and a ‘Co-Work Plus’
centre (for business startups, entrepreneurs,
freelancers and remote workers).
Co-founder and CEO of Spraoi agus Spórt Helen Nolan
said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this amazing
project which will be critical for the regeneration
of Carndonagh and the surrounding areas as we emerge
from Covid-19.
“Our plans for a new Digital & Creative Hub in the
town are dedicated to supporting local
entrepreneurship and the creative economy.
“The importance of developing a new Digital &
Creative Hub has been brought to the fore in recent
months with our FabLab making PPE (visors) that have
played a key role in protecting local frontline
workers.
“Plans to develop our new Digital & Creative Hub
include having such ‘maker’ equipment as 3D printers
and laser cutters available which can be used in the
production of PPE – as well as other types of tools
including sewing machines and a community loom which
can be utilised by local designers, artists and
craftspeople.
“We therefore hope to see our new hub being used by
people of all ages and abilities in order to play,
create and learn through innovation and invention –
and importantly provide a stimulus for local
entrepreneurship as an accelerator for business
start-ups". |
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Frontline workers, Caoimhe & Niamh
from Simpson’s Supermarket, wearing the protective
visors made by the FabLab in Carndonagh. |
Helen Nolan also says
that their proposed plans for the new Digital &
Creative Hub will be a huge undertaking for the
social enterprise that will require significant
investment, resources and effort.
“We have identified premises for our new Digital &
Creative Hub at a central location in the town.
However, the vacant building will require
considerable refurbishment” she said.
“We have identified the costs involved in bringing
this exciting project to fruition and have developed
a plan to raise the necessary funding. We anticipate
that the total cost of the project will be
approximately €450k – and we have already secured a
third of this figure – €150k. We are also currently
in the process of applying for further funding from
a number of sources.
“With the establishment of a state-of-the-art
Digital & Creative Hub in the town this will not
only create new opportunities for local people of
all ages and abilities in our area but will also
provide a fantastic impetus for the wider
regeneration and economic development of Inishowen
and highlight the importance of #StayLocal during
these uncertain times". |
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