Farset Labs hackerspace in Belfast is expanding

Belfast's Farset Labs tech hackerspace is getting a makeover with expanded event space, more work space for desks, and a ton of new equipment.

The Farst Labs hackerspace in Weaver's Court has been a hub for Northern Ireland's emerging tech industry for over seven years now, with dozens of local tech events, start-ups and ideas first making their appearance within its walls. The building combines event and meetup space with hotdesking areas and a suite of equipment to enable makers and inventors to experiment freely.

The space has been getting quite packed in recent months as the community continues to grow, with the workshop and co-working spaces frequently filled beyond capacity. The floor above the lab has now become available and Farset is beginning work to expand into it and occupy the entire building, a bold move for the registered charity.

The planning for the expansion began eight months ago, and the team at Farset has now announced that it's got the green light from all involved. The entire lab will be relocated to a new temporary home in Unit 5E of Weaver's Court from July 1st onward while extensive renovations are done on Unit 1. The main unit is expected to be ready to open in early October and will be bigger and better than ever.

Highlights from the upgrade include:
 - Lift access to the new upper floor for better accessibility and wheelchair access
 - High-contrast surfaces, induction loops, and Braille signage in places.
 - Up to 40 additional dedicated desk spaces
 - Expanded workshop area
 - Larger flexible event space
 - Better AV facilities for events
 - A new multipurpose space designed for art projects, teams, and start-ups.
 - A new dedicated meeting room
 - Additional kitchen and toilet facilities on the upper floor
 - Improved sound proofing

Head over to the Farset Labs blog for more details on what the move means for those who use the space, new equipment the team is planning to secure, and more information about what services the expanded space will offer.

Source: Farset Labs