Our facilities are available to our members for independent drop-in whenever there are no other classes or projects using them. You can check the calendar to see which rooms are available. Member drop-ins are free but must be booked.
We also run several supported drop-ins, which are available to both members and non-members for free.
Independent drop-in (members only)
Independent drop-ins are for members only, and must be booked in advance.
Our ceramics studios are available to any member with previous pottery experience. You must complete our pottery induction before you first use the facilities on your own.
Complete beginners are welcome once they’ve been on one of our beginner pottery courses. Other users are often willing to give friendly advice and support if required.
Our large modelling studio is fully equipped with two potter’s wheels and a wide variety of ceramicists tools, or you are free to bring your own tools. Adjacent is our glazing studio containing a wide range of glazing materials and mixing tools.
We have two electric kilns with 190 litre capacity each, one a top-loader and one a front-loader. Both are maintained and operated by a team of committed volunteers and we run regular firings which members can make use of (subject to space).
There are usually a variety of clay types and a wide range of glazes available. We operate a ‘weigh and pay’ scheme which covers the cost of firing and glazing your pottery, meaning that you only pay for the amount of clay you use.
Our woodwork studio is available to any members over the age of 16. You must complete our woodwork induction before you first use the facilities on your own.
The studio is fully equipped with woodworking machinery such as a circular saw, planer, bandsaw and lathe. There are numerous hand tools available and a supply of basic items such as glues and abrasives.
There is a small stock of donated and recycled wood which you are welcome to use in exchange for a donation.
Our arts and crafts studio (the Birklands Room) is available to members for sewing, painting and drawing, stained glass, printmaking, textiles, mixed crafts and more.
We have a selection of equipment available, but please let a member of staff know what you are going to use.
We also have a selection of donated and recycled materials available which you are welcome to use in exchange for a donation.
The name of the Birklands Room acknowledges our gratitude to the residents of Birklands Road in Shipley who nominated us to receive a donation from The National Grid for renovations to the room.
Supported drop-ins
Supported drop-ins are free, and available to members and non-members alike. There is no need to book, just turn up.
A relaxed volunteer-led session for anybody with an interest in mixed crafts, and a basic level of knowledge or ability.
Draw and paint in the company of other like-minded people, sharing skills and learning new things.
A supported drop in for people looking to create or mend wooden items, a technician will be on hand to provide support.
A women-only woodwork drop in session, supported by experienced female volunteers.
Room Hire
We do sometimes have availability to hire some of our rooms and facilities out for creative courses and activities, for more information, please contact joy.hart@hivebradford.org.uk
Our Birklands and Moorhead rooms are available to hire for creative and creative wellbeing activities, and include use of our shared break room.
Both rooms have adjustable-height tables which can be laid out as required. We may also be able to provide easels and other equipment if required – please ask when booking.
Our facilities are all level-access, with toilet facilities including a disabled toilet. The building has a small free car park (including a disabled space), and plenty of pay-and-display parking immediately adjacent. It is a 5-minute walk from Shipley train station and a 2-minute walk from Shipley bus station.
Birklands Room
Moorhead Room
Shared break room
Our break room has tea and coffee making facilities (with instant hot water and plenty of mugs), microwave (and crockery) and mini grill. Shared use of this space is included with hire of either of our rooms.
We ask for a contribution of 50p per hot drink to help cover costs.
Rates
Our standard room hire rates are:
- £18 per hour (charities and community groups)
- £25 per hour (private sector)
Please do ask for more details or to make a booking.