Historic Aberdeen Building Reimagined as Tech and Community Hub
Code the City is transforming a disused space into an innovative centre for digital skills and community collaboration.
Aberdeen charity Code The City has unveiled plans to transform the historic 111 Gallowgate building into a dynamic community space dedicated to tech, creativity, and collaboration. Known as The Soap Factory, this new venue aims to reconnect Aberdeen’s past industry with its future potential by offering an engaging space for learning and innovation.
Previously housing the Waldorf School and office spaces, 111 Gallowgate has been vacant for five years. Originally, the building was the birthplace of Ogston and Tennant’s soap and candle manufacturing, a significant part of Aberdeen’s industrial heritage. Now, thanks to the efforts of Code The City volunteers, the building will become an inspiring hub for people of all backgrounds to engage with technology, develop new skills, and pursue fresh opportunities.
“This is more than a building,” said Ian Watt, Chair of Code The City. “It’s about giving people a chance to build confidence, gain new skills, and ensure Aberdeen keeps pace with the digital world.”
A highlight of The Soap Factory will be the new Code Academy, offering practical, hands-on experiences rather than traditional classroom learning. Students will work on real-world projects, developing solutions to genuine challenges. Funded in part by a £4,000 grant from the Guildry and Mortifications Fund, the academy specifically aims to support young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with essential digital skills to unlock new career paths.
Arrash Nekonam, Coding Academy Lead, said, “Students won’t just follow tutorials—they will create, build, and deliver solutions that make a real difference.”
The project aligns closely with the goals of supporting youth and improving digital literacy in Aberdeen, addressing challenges such as barriers to education and skill gaps in the growing tech sector.
The Soap Factory is open to everyone, from tech professionals and educators to business owners, creatives, or anyone curious about technology and innovation. With training, workshops, and flexible co-working areas, it aims to encourage collaboration and help people work together on real-world problems.
Code The City has invited local businesses and tech professionals to support the Soap Factory initiative. Opportunities include sponsoring training programmes, donating essential resources like software and equipment, or offering mentorship to students embarking on their tech journeys.
Additionally, parents and schools who want to explore how they can engage with this initiative and support young people in developing critical digital skills can register their interest now to receive further information.
If you would like more information about The Soap Factory or details about how participate in shaping Aberdeen’s digital future, check out the Code the City website.
