A new creative hub is taking shape in the centre of Colchester.

Trinity Works, which is set to open this summer in the former Christian Science church on Trinity Street, will be home to architects HAT Projects, Colchester Makerspace, and Café Saison.

Formerly located at the back of the old Waiting Room in St Botolph's, this new Makerspace will specialise in providing access to ceramics, textiles and printmaking equipment, such as kilns, silkscreens, letterpress and sewing machines, eventually expanding to more contemporary tools such as laser cutters and 3D Printers.

Marc De'ath, who will be part of the team running the space, says: "For those new to the concept, a Makerspace is simply a facility with shared access to workspace and tools for making.

Established up and down the country, Makerspaces vary in size and the type of equipment they offer. From electronics and computing through to the more traditional metalwork and carpentry.

"As well as access to equipment, it will also provide a programme of classes. From low-cost and accessible taster sessions for those looking to explore ceramics, textiles and printmaking for the first time, through to evening classes and Professional Development Sessions."

The idea for the creative hub came when award-winning architects HAT Projects, who have been based in Sir Isaac's Walk for the last four years, saw the former church was up for sale.

Hana Loftus, who runs HAT with co-director Tom Grieve, says: "A large part of our practice is about bringing new life to unusual and characterful buildings and we thought this project was a perfect way of doing that.

"As well as our office and the Makerspace, we have talented chef Hannah Chapman setting up her first business venture with the café.

“That's what makes it really exciting for us, creating something that's bigger than the sum of its parts, and a place that's going to be alive and vibrant in many different ways."

Over the coming weeks, Colchester Makerspace will be launching a crowdfunding campaign and a series of community engagement events, to recruit new members and fundraise for new equipment.

But this weekend there's a chance to get a sneak preview as part of the Trinity Street Summer Fair on Sunday, May 20.

Located outside the building next to Tindalls Art Shop from 10am to 4pm, there will be free taster drop in sessions, an opportunity to meet the team involved in the project and limited tours behind the scenes.

Group tours will also be available at 11am, 12pm and 2pm. Spaces are limited and bookable in advance. To reserve your place and for more information e-mail info@trinity-works.co.uk or hello@makercampus.co.uk