The Woodshop began as an idea...

that became a creative space in London.

The Woodshop is more than a woodshop...

The Woodshop originated from a recognition that many people lacked the space and resources to safely learn and practice woodworking. When we recognized that issues that prevented many people from even starting on woodworking, the minds at Pathways Skill Development joined together to find a solution.

Out of a small building in the London SoHo District, a space was developed to offer not just tools and woodworking opportunities, but to create a space to build relationships as well as projects.

We build community through connection.

Three woodshop members work on a new project idea at a wooden table

Our Story: What began as a conversation...

The Idea

The idea for the London Community Woodshop originated from conversations within the community and with the offices of Pathways Employment Help Centre and Skills Development. By the fall of 2015, the team behind LCW had discovered many Londoners wanted to try woodworking, for projects such as making their own furniture and projects, some even wanting to launch their own business – but had no place to start. The cost of tools, shop space, and difficulty in gaining woodworking skills, made woodworking inaccessible to many people in our community.

The Plan

Our team came together and started working towards creating a public woodshop. A number of community partners came on board, and together we opened the London Community Woodshop one and a half years later.