The Shed – Community Craft Hub Project
We’re working on it…
It took a little while and some searching around, but eventually we found a site! In partnership with local councillors, we identified a possible location: on the Leisure United sport complex site on the Old Racecourse in Derby.
Why ‘The Shed’?
Well our project has been a while in gestation and when we first set it up, the idea was to try and establish our Shed in the Oakwood area of Derby – hence the name of our organisation. But things have moved on – so the actual Shed should really have a simpler name, less area-centric. We will be the first community Shed in Derby, so why not just ‘The Shed’ – in Derby?
Click on the picture to find out more about Leisure United
The Site
The Old Racecourse is probably known to most residents of Derby. It sits in the West Chaddesden area and siting our Shed there will bring a much needed amenity to that local area. It’s close to the city centre and has good access and parking
Leisure United – our partner
Leisure United, in collaboration with Derby City Council, recently refurbished and extended the sports and leisure facility on the Old Racecourse, with improved and expanded five a side football pitches and a new improved service building. In the autumn of 2025 they kindly offered Oakwood Neighbours Shed a suitable site to build our ‘Shed’.
So, what’s the Plan?
As we enter 2026, there’s a lot to do, but we’ve come a long way. We have a 5 stage plan to deliver a fully functional workshop, but right from Phase 1 we will have craft facilities that will enable us to work on our projects. We call it ‘Base Camp’. Once all the red tape is resolved, we hope to have that in place by May 2026, while we continue to raise funds for the rest
From that early start, we gradually add; a security fence, foundations and finally a purpose built concrete workshop. The short animation give you an idea!
Building the Hub one step at a time…
- ‘Base Camp’ – Shipping container base
- Perimeter Fence – around wildlife friendly features
- Ground Works – Reinforced 10cm concrete slab
- Community Craft Hub – A garage style workshop
- Equipping the Hub – Fitting out the Hub itself
