A COMMUNITY-based arts and ‘innovation centre’ has officially opened in Winsford.

The Rock Salt Gallery, based in the former Normandy furniture shop at Winsford Cross Shopping Centre, opened on Saturday, January 30.

More than 100 people attended the opening of Mid Cheshire’s first combined Makerspace and Art Gallery.

The centre will provide space for workshops, display areas for exhibition and retail. Members who display work and use the facilities will be encouraged to contribute a few hours a week of their time.

One of the masterminds behind the venture, Winsford artist Derek Johnson, said: “This is a venue not only for people to come to and learn or develop new skills but also to socialise.

“It is about education in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, linking technology, art and science with the aim of giving people creative opportunities to develop ideas.

“Part of what we want to do is give local people wishing to set up in business help and support. We are building up a team of volunteers with a broad spectrum of specialised skills and knowledge.”

During the launch day, visitors were given demonstrations of 3D printing by Dave Chamberlain, made art journals with Treena Markland and Midge Ace and shown how to wire-draw with Terri Dixon.

The new venture is part of a new initiative, Open Community Innovations (OCI).

Derek, chairman of OCI, said: “OCI has been set up as a co-operative for the benefit of the community, ultimately to be run by the community, we are all volunteers.”

The launch event was opened by Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones, mayor of Winsford.

Cllr Gaskill-Jones said: "It was a complete privilege to attend the opening of the Winsford Makerspace and Rock Salt Gallery.

“It is an absolutely fantastic and welcoming creative space which also serves to celebrate Winsford's heritage.

“I encourage the residents of Winsford to pay the Makerspace a visit and enjoy everything going on there, it is an excellent resource for the town which I hope goes from strength to strength."

Derek added: “I would also like to give my thanks, on behalf of OCI Ltd, to Winsford Cross Shopping Centre management team for its considerable support and help.”

For more information, visit the Winsford MakerSpace and Rock Salt Gallery on Facebook.