Young people have taken over an empty shop for a project in Brentwood aimed at boosting creative industries and to help shape their future careers.

The Creative Cove pop-up makerspace has been set up at the Baytree Shopping Centre until September to make products with the help of mentoring from industry experts.  

The shop was opened earlier this month when artists Lucy McDonald and Charlotte Trower ran workshops on screen-printing bags and pressing mugs, with a talk by Tom Baker from Baker’s Labels about the print and design industry in Brentwood.

There was also music from DJ Beat and 16-year-old singer Natalie Nagle.

“We’ll be there to support young people all the way,” a Creative Cove spokesperson said. “We’re passionate about making opportunities for young people visible to find a career in the creative industries on their doorsteps and to be in control of their futures.”

Creative Cove is a collective that aims to make Brentwood known as “a creative place” by giving a space that brings people together to “amplify their voices”.

It is staging regular Thursday workshops through the summer, including candle-making by Charlotte Robinson, as well as talks from activists in creative businesses like actress Ayvianna Snow.

A mobile market stall has also been created with New City College to tour Brentwood selling creative products.

Andy Greaves, deputy curriculum director at New City College, said: “It’s about more than just making products — more about shaping their own future and contributing to the business community.

“This fosters creativity and entrepreneurship among young people with mentoring and hands-on experience to inspire a new generation of leaders in the industry.”

The project, which has a grant from the UK Shared Prosperity fund through Brentwood Council, is also collaborating with organisations like Brentwood Art Trail, Brentwood Theatre and the Hermit music club by staging selling events as a platform for creative talents.

Creative Cove at the Baytree Shopping Centre is running events for marketing, promotion, selling and stock control of creative products and services. Students involved can use it as a platform and get help working out the next step to starting their careers.