Up-and-coming designers in Hackney now have access to cutting-edge equipment to realise their passion, thanks to a new scheme.

Shared workspace The Trampery in Bevenden Street is launching The Fashion Lab on October 14 in partnership with Hackney Council.

The scheme connects graduates and designers with equipment which they may have struggled to access in the past, such as industrial-quality sewing and overlock machines, fusion presses, ironing stations and pattern-cutting tables.

Charlie May, a designer with a studio at The Trampery said: “The Fashion Lab is a wonderful idea. As a young designer it’s impossible to get your hands on the kind of equipment that you had access to in university, and that you need in order to create to the best of your ability.

“Now, for the first time, designers like me will have access to machinery at an affordable price, which is incredibly exciting.”

The space can be booked for two-hour slots via The Trampery’s website.

Money raised will be reinvested into additional equipment, training for designers and other business support.

Industry experts will also be on hand to provide mentorship and technical support.

The Trampery collaborated with the Designer-Manufacturer Innovation Support Centre (DISC) and the Centre for Fashion Enterprise (CFE) to create the Fashion Lab, match-funded by Hackney Council.

Charles Armstrong, founder of The Trampery, said: “The amazing calibre of designers based at The Trampery, London Fields, is a sign of Hackney’s increasing importance as a focal point for the UK fashion industry.

“The lack of affordable, flexible access to specialised equipment was a clear barrier for emerging designers.”