Is there demand for a "makespace" in Cambridge?

[Simon Ford]

We are looking to see if there is demand for establishing a
"makespace" based in Cambridge, UK. To do this, we have setup a group
at http://www.meetup.com/Makespace/ for people to register interest
over the next week or so.

We are in discussions for funding this concept, but first need to know
if there really is a demand to understand whether we should take this
forward, and to determine what it should look like.

Our strawman proposal looks like this:

"makespace" comprises two components to promote innovation:
* A shared prototyping lab, equipped with soldering stations, 2d
laser cutter, 3d printer, etc
* An associated network to bring together the prototyping industry,
businesses, innovators and educational communities in a mutually
beneficial way

To determine demand, we want to find:
* Companies that support innovation and prototyping, and who could
provide training, support, leading to the sale of their services
* People working within local industries looking to innovate in ways
that require new skills, equipment and contacts
* Innovators needing to produce physical prototypes to further their
ideas
* Community members and educational groups who could benefit from a
lab in which to work together, and draw on the expertise of others

If this could include you, please help make this a reality by joinning
now at http://www.meetup.com/Makespace/, telling us:
* Who you are, and any company/group affiliation
* What you could contribute to and/or how you could benefit from
makespace
* Any other ideas, requirements or suggestions to improve such a
project

If you have ways of reaching established companies, community
projects, startup efforts or individuals who might be interested,
please pass this on so they can register their interest. After all,
this is really only worth doing if there is a critical mass that could
make it truly successful.

http://www.meetup.com/Makespace/

Thanks,
Simon & Jonny