PumpHouse Maker Space & Artist Workshop

Albury’s historic pump house in Waterworks Road will be transformed into a mecca for artists and creators to establish a dynamic hub of artistic and innovative output, engagement and economic flow-on for the Albury region.

This heritage listed former pump house is only 70m from the Murray River. With a current floor area of 280m2, the space will be extended by an additional 54.5m2 to allow for reception/entry, office space and toilet facilities.

This project brings together elements of cultural activity already taking place in the community and consolidates them into a cohesive and collaborative program.

The PumpHouse MakerSpace will breathe new life into a heritage-listed building.  Equipped with the tools and machinery required across four mediums – ceramics, metalwork, jewellery and woodwork – this space will become a mecca for artists and makers who  are keen to collaborate and learn new creative skills.

The establishment of a well-equipped Makerspace will:

• Allow a substantial expansion of the range and number of workshops on offer – from the interested beginner to professional development for trained artisans
• Generate jobs by employing local tutors and artists within the education program
• Provide local artisans, makers and micro-business owners with an affordable option for the use of specialised equipment
• Provide additional hands-on educational programs for regional schools, presented by professional artists in a well-equipped space
• Establish a network of artisans and makers that promotes and supports collaboration across diverse art forms
• Offer school leavers an alternate pathway into a creative maker profession
• Provide potential for richer tourism offerings that combine a creative experience with other experiences already offered in the region
• Involve creative businesses and artists in markets, pop-ups and evening/night time events, and
• Establish a financially viable and self-sustaining cultural enterprise.

The PumpHouse Maker Space project is one project of three funded by the Regional Cultural Fund.  The total grant allocated is $1.3 million.

2021-22 budget

The original concept of a Makerspace, and subsequent funding application, was focused on the creation of a well-equipped space for makers of artisan products to utilise in the creation of their work.

This project was designed to increase entrepreneurial capacity of local creatives, reducing production/manufacturing costs through a co-working model, and provide a subsequent increase in employment options for regionally based artists and the opportunities for real-world experience to young emerging artists.

As this project has progressed it has become clear that the heritage listed PumpHouse building requires significant remediation and rectification works to bring it to a habitable standard. These works will be required to facilitate the conversion of this building into a Maker Space and artist workshop.
The funding allocation will allow for the remediation and rectification works.