New Digital Hub Launched in Mablethorpe

Report this content

News release

29th May 2013

Businesses and residents in Mablethorpe have welcomed a new technology hub, hailing the venture an overwhelming success.

A launch event for the first ever Lincolnshire Technology Hub, which aims to give residents and businesses access to cutting-edge digital technology, saw over 60 people turn out to see demonstrations of 3D technology including printing and scanning.

They also learned more about the Sharing Circle which lends equipment such as cameras and iPads free of charge.

The idea behind the hub is to give people the chance to learn more about emerging technology and how it can help them, test-drive new equipment before making a purchase, access workshops and connect with other businesses.

The hub has been set up by Lincolnshire County Council’s onlincolnshire project at the new Coastal Centre on Victoria Road, which was also officially opened on Tuesday 21st May by the Mayor of Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea Councillor Bernard Dobbs.

Councillor Colin Davie from Lincolnshire County Council said: “We’re very pleased with the interest that’s already being shown in the new hub, and we’re sure it’s going to be a vital resource for the town.

“The launch was a chance for people to see at first hand what’s on offer and try out the equipment for themselves so they can then plan to use it to enrich their work lives, or for community activities.

“Through this initiative we’re bringing the best and latest technology to areas which haven’t been able to access such cutting-edge digital services. Offering it free of charge is just the icing on the cake. We’re sure that businesses will embrace the services available and use what we’re offering to develop and grow.”

The hub has been part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). It houses a desktop 3D printer, a hand-held colour 3D scanner and a high-precision laser cutter and engraver, while the Sharing Circle offers iPads, mobile phones with 4G, GoPro cameras and a GigaPan Epic Pro camera for creating panoramic images.

All of the equipment can be borrowed and used for free, with just a small charge to cover insurance costs and materials used.

Onlincolnshire will also be providing free training on how to use the equipment every Friday between 10am and 3pm starting on 31st May.

The volunteer-run Coastal Centre, where the hub is based, has been set up as a vital community resource and is a UK Online Centre. The facility offers one-to-one IT training as well as access to community services and rooms for hire for clubs, business meetings, events or group activities.

Steve Hinsley, Centre Co-ordinator at the Coastal Centre, said: “We took over the empty building in February and so far the project’s been really successful. It’s so heart-warming to see so many people coming in and using the centre and after today’s event hopefully even more people will take advantage of the services we provide.”

The centre is open Monday to Wednesday from 10am till 3.30pm and Thursday and Friday 10.30am till 3.30pm. Rooms can, however, be hired outside of these hours. To find out more about the equipment on offer, or to find inspiration on how it could help you, visit www.digitallincs.com, drop into the Coastal Centre or call 01507 479165.

Ends

Notes to Editors:

About onlincolnshire

  • onlincolnshire is part-funded by the East Midlands European Regional Development Fund Programme 2007 to 2013.
  • Some Internet users in rural Lincolnshire experience speeds of less than 1 Mbps. The UK’s average broadband speed is 7.6 Mbps, according to Ofcom.
  • The Department for Communities and Local Government is the managing authority for the European Regional Development Fund Programme, which is one of the funds established by the European Commission to help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support local businesses and create jobs. For more information visit www.communities.gov.uk/erdf
  • The contract with BT concentrates on an intervention area of over 150,000 premises where existing or planned commercial roll outs would not deliver superfast speeds. This will mean that at least 94% of all premises should have access to fibre broadband by April 2016.

About the Coastal Centre:

  • The Coastal Centre is being run by volunteers from the Boatshed charity
  • Mablethorpe’s Town Manager Karen Froggat is based at the centre
  • Every Tuesday between 10am and 1pm, centre users can also access advice from:
    • The Credit Union
    • East Lindsey District Council’s Housing Department
    • East Lindsey District Council Health trainers
    • New Linx Housing
    • The Children’s Centre
    • British Legion Community Voluntary Services
    • Neighbourhood Management
    • For further information about the centre, call 01507 479165 or visit www.mablethorpeboatshed.org/mablethorpe-coastal-centre.html

Cerri Delaney
Shooting Star PR
01522 528540
07985 143990
cerri@shootingstar-pr.co.uk
www.shootingstar-pr.co.uk
t: @CerriDelaney

Tags:

Media

Media

Documents & Links

Quick facts

The onlincolnshire Technology Hub is a chance for businesses to access vital digital technology which they would otherwise not be able to make use of
Tweet this

Quotes

We’re very pleased with the interest that’s already being shown in the new hub, and we’re sure it’s going to be a vital resource for the town.
Councillor Colin Davie from Lincolnshire County Council