Commonshed
Donate

Programmes and opening hours

Everything is free to members. Membership is pay what you can, from nothing.

Address
The old bus depot, Canal Street
Lending desk
Wed 17:00–19:30, Sat 10:00–14:00

Opening hours

Closed on public holidays. Check here before you come.

Opening hours
DayHoursNote
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday17:00 – 19:30Lending deskLending desk
Thursday18:30 – 20:30Skills nights, twice a monthSkills nights, twice a month
FridayClosed
Saturday10:00 – 14:00Lending desk; repair café 13:00 – 16:00 on the last SaturdayLending desk; repair café 13:00 – 16:00 on the last Saturday
SundayClosed
Commonshed
The old bus depot, Canal Street
Sample address

Step-free entrance on the canal side. The workshop has a hearing loop at the desk.

How borrowing works

Four steps, and the first one only happens once.

1. Join

  • Come to the desk with proof of address in the area.
  • Read the lending rules and pay what you can, from nothing.

2. Reserve

  • Browse the catalogue at the desk or by email and reserve up to three tools.
  • Popular tools (ladders, the tile cutter) are reserved a week ahead.

3. Collect

  • A volunteer checks the tool with you and shows you anything tricky.
  • Safety gear (goggles, gloves, ear defenders) is lent with it.

4. Return

  • Bring it back clean within seven days.
  • Tell us if anything broke or wore out; there's no charge for honest accidents.

The programmes in more detail

All four are run by volunteers. Ask at the desk if you'd like to help with one.

Last Saturday · 13:00–16:00

Repair café

Bring up to two things: small furniture, lamps, bikes, clothes, toys. Fixers work with you, not for you. We can't take gas appliances, microwaves or anything with a battery that's swollen.

Volunteer as a fixer: Repair café
Two Thursdays a month · 18:30–20:30

Skills nights

Eight places each, booked at the desk. This season: hanging shelves, sharpening tools, bike brakes and gears, and basic wiring safety (no live work).

Host a skills night: Skills nights
March to October

Garden tools

Spades, forks, shears, wheelbarrows and a shredder, lent for up to two weeks to members, allotment holders and street groups.

Help on garden days: Garden tools
Any time, by email

Tools for groups

Schools, street parties and community groups can borrow a set of tools for a day of work, with a volunteer if you need one.

Email us: Tools for groups

Have a tool you never use?

If it's safe and working, someone else needs it. Bring it on a Saturday.

Get involved Questions