Land near allotments could become a workshop open for anyone to use if a community proposal goes ahead.

A makerspace has been proposed for the Oxhey area, with a team of locals eyeing the allotments in Upper Paddock Road as an ideal location to either convert sheds or install temporary structures.

According to the government website, a makerspace is “a physical location where people gather to co-create, share resources and knowledge, work on projects, network, and build.

“They help intermediate and advanced users develop their skills and creativity, particularly inspiring younger generations to engage with the STEM agenda.”

Joshua Ellis, who has been spearheading the scheme, sent a proposal sent to Watford Borough Council last week. It said the team already has the "tools, knowledge and materials" to create the Oxhey Village Makerspace but just needs a location to put it.

With commercial space prohibitively expensive for a community project around Watford, volunteers hope a popular temporary space could lead to a permanent structure.

Mr Ellis moved to Oxhey from the USA and realised people in the area interested in teaching or learning practical skills often lack the room and tools to do so.

He shared the vision online and “a lot of people in the village really thought it was a good idea”, leading him to get in touch with Watford Borough Council.

Liberal Democrat councillor Kennedy Rodrigues said: “Joshua and his team have had preliminary positive discussions with ward councillors regarding creating a makerspace in Oxhey.

“Ideas like this align with Watford Council’s interest in encouraging local economic growth and supporting businesses.

“However, we cannot provide a detailed answer until the completion of a possible planning application and review of the business case, which would be needed for this scheme.”

The makerspace would be supervised by volunteers and equipped with workbenches, both powered and hand tools, a soldering station, a 3D printer, a first aid station, and a small library of books and reference manuals.

It would also offer practical lessons and events such as repair cafés where people can bring in items to be fixed.

Mr Ellis explained that several locals have said they would be happy to offer tools and materials while brands including Wickes and Screwfix have schemes to provide donations and support to community projects.

“We are keen to support new businesses and entrepreneurs in Watford,” councillor Rodrigues, who represents Oxhey, added. “We look forward to hearing more about makerspace and other similar projects.”