Working on a ‘space where creativity can happen’

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This article was published 07/12/2018 (2735 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Excitement is building at the Brandon Neighbourhood Renewal Corp. as renovations continue on the non-profit organization’s new office and collaborative space in the city’s downtown.

Work at 440 Rosser Ave. began in the fall, and once finished it will serve as the organization’s main office, as well as a “space where creativity can happen,” executive director Carly Gasparini said.

“To see it come together, it’s the best Christmas present, she said.

The BNRC has owned the building since 2013 and has served as the home for the Brandon Energy Efficiency Program, or BEEP, ever since.

The organization had rented out the remaining building space, but when a tenant moved out a year ago, the board and staff of the BNRC decided to turn that vacant area into something for themselves. Some of the workers in the BEEP program are working on the renovations, as well.

“We just thought it was a really good opportunity to fulfil the original vision of the board for this building; that it’s a space for the community,” Gasparini said.

The new office space will allow all of the BNRC’s staff to work under one roof; some are currently based out of City Hall.

It will also include a new boardroom, which will be made available to the BNRC board and groups in need of a meeting place.

“The whole point of it was so we could be more efficient in how we work, and my favourite part of working for the BNRC are the conversations that happen between offices and between people who are working in different areas,” Gasparini said. “But when they’re talking to each other is where ideas kind of grow.”

One of the building’s highlights will be the unveiling of a maker space — an open shop where artists and entrepreneurs can gather to share ideas and build off each other’s creativity.

Gasparini said the idea was modelled after what some libraries in the country have done, as well as North Forge in Winnipeg, an agency that helps entrepreneurs on mentoring and project prototypes.

Possible uses for the BNRC maker space that have been considered include sewing machines, a computer lab, 3D printer, woodworking and a broadcast booth.

“Our goal is to give them access 24 hours a day, to be able to potentially start a small business or really get into a hobby that they like,” Gasparini said.

The maker space could also help foster community, she added, and help people, particularly seniors, who are dealing with social isolation.

Gasparini said she has met with the art gallery and library on how to best tailor the maker space to the community and has plans to give the chamber of commerce a tour of the building next week.

BNRC board chairwoman Tanya LaBuick said she is proud of the BEEP team and the other team members for doing the legwork to get the maker space created.

“It’s been a substantial undertaking for everybody, but everybody is really excited, as well,” she said.

“But I think you’ll see the BNRC evolve with the community, alongside of it, in being able to offer services that they need. We’re definitely not a stagnant unit, for sure.”

With the BNRC set to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2020, Gasparini said the renovations feel as if the organization is “hitting adulthood.”

“We have our own space, we’re out on our own, our big sign’s on the door and we’re ready. We’re ready to collaborate. That’s what we want this space to be is this real innovation hub, and I think it only allows us to get better as we continue to grow, because we’re more accessible to the community, and that’s our goal,” she said.

She said the plan is to have a grand opening in the new year. “Magic is going to come out of this place, I really believe that.”

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