A new workshop aiming to inspire, empower and unify Tauranga's creative community opens its doors with a launch party this Saturday.

Craft Collective on Twelfth Ave has already seen curious locals pop their head in to discover more about the workshop's motto of 'learn/make/grow”.

Craft Collective owner Amy Campbell.

Owned by Amy Campbell, Craft Collective functions not only as a retail space for NZ-made goods, but also as a space to feature artists and designers, according to Campbell.

She said the workshop will also host art, craft and design classes and other social events.

'At Craft Collective, our purpose is to rebirth the old-school perception of craft,” says Amy. 'So we created a completely different experience for like-minded creatives who want the best art, craft and design workshops in Tauranga.

'We will really try to diversify the use of the space.”

Amy, who also runs an online store featuring the designers and artist's work at www.craftcollective.co.nz, added: 'We're trying to cover all our bases and make it a place that almost anyone who walks into will find some sort of value.”

According to Amy, Tauranga was lacking a dedicated creative learning space and she wanted to create a business that would 'blend in and speak to the community.” Her idea for the workshop developed after discovering the absence of night classes which previously ran at local high schools.

'What's cool about Craft Collective is it's a great place for anyone to come together and get inspired, to support one another and just incubate ideas,” she adds.

Amy also stressed the communal aspect of Craft Collective, with the space designed to draw creatives, small businesses and the community at large together.

The owner spent eight weeks preparing the property for the grand opening, which is due to be held this Saturday at 12pm.

'People are walking by every day, asking ‘When are you guys going to be open?'” she said. 'All that is now required is a community response.”

Craft Collective officially opens on Monday, November 3 with a launch party on Saturday, November 1. For more information on this event and Craft Collective's workshops, visit: www.craftcollective.co.nz