Knowledge Quarter is home to some of the most globally recognised, knowledge-intensive institutions in the world. However, the disparity between the work of these institutions and the lives of the community around them is stark. Creating opportunities for collaboration between these new institutions, communities and third sector organisations and the public sector is a moral and economic imperative for the local area as we explore what an inclusive knowledge economy might look like in practice.

‘MAKE Meanwhile’ (MM) is an exciting new space that offers a platform for collaboration between local residents, students and staff at Central Saint Martins, Camden Council and KQ partners via collaborative projects that address four key aims:

• Public social innovation – supporting the ambition to address local challenges through ‘shared endeavour’
• Building community resilience and reducing social isolation and loneliness
• Skills development
• Providing new pathways into employment and enterprise (building upon STCA/Living Centre’s Job Hub delivery and exploring pathways into Camden’s Construction Skills College)

The space is located in the heart of the KQ, in the Global Generation Story Garden behind the British Library, and represents a unique opportunity to work alongside the local community on projects of mutual interest. MM is a partnership between Somers Town Community Association, Central Saint Martins, Camden Council, and Lendlease.