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The Make-it Zone is a visionary project involving structural engineer Ian Greenwood, who has lived in this part of Birmingham for over 30 years. The building has been acquired in full confidence that entrepreneurs with practical skills can lead the city out of recession towards a new kind of economy which

• values people
• is rooted in the community
• radically reduces energy waste
• puts renewed emphasis on beauty, durability, and manual skills

His commitment to the environment and long professional experience of problem-solving in old buildings allowed him to see the potential of the old print works as a new kind of shared workspace. His delight in the younger generation and in skilled handiwork has led to a vision which embraces education as well as production.

My experience from early years in Australia where our village school had 2/3 “home kids” from a large children’s home included a lot of craft skill starting early in primary school, such as bookbinding, leatherwork and simple woodwork.

Over the last 30 years I have worked with members of many of its cultures and find few problems. I would hope that the fears which have grown up in the last decade can be dismantled along with the skills shortage, and the aimlessness of young people in fear of long term unemployment or a lifetime of short-term unskilled jobs.

I decided to act after seeing fine old buildings left neglected, ruined or demolished while waiting indefinitely for funding to be sorted out. This one in our neighbourhood could be an example leading to other exciting projects, helping to beat the credit crunch.