A new LEGO-inspired community project is taking shape in Andover, aiming to bring people together through creativity, conversation and building.
The initiative, called BRIKT, has been created by local resident Katie Brooks, a lifelong LEGO enthusiast who hopes the project will provide a welcoming space where people of all ages can relax, connect and build together.
The idea behind BRIKT is simple – a community environment where visitors can sit down with LEGO bricks, enjoy a drink, and take a break from the pressures of everyday life while creating something new.
A lifelong love of LEGO
Katie says her love of LEGO began when she was growing up with her brothers.
She explained that building together helped strengthen their relationships and created lasting memories.
Years later, the same experience has continued with her own son, starting with Duplo before moving on to more complex LEGO sets. Those moments of building together inspired the idea behind BRIKT.
The project is designed to recreate that feeling of creativity and connection, offering a place where imagination matters more than age or experience.
Building for wellbeing
Katie was diagnosed last year with early onset Parkinson’s, a condition that can affect fine motor skills.
Rather than stepping away from LEGO, she found that building with bricks actually helped her practise and maintain those movements.
She said LEGO building helps keep her hands active and provides a creative outlet even on difficult days.
The project now aims to share those benefits with the wider community, highlighting how building activities can support mental wellbeing, focus and motor skills.
A community-focused idea
BRIKT is being developed as a Community Interest Company (CIC) and is designed to create a space where people can build, create and connect.
The project also plans to give back to the community through sponsorship of LEGO sets, with supporters able to dedicate sets to charities, loved ones or special occasions.
Each time a sponsored set is used in a build session, a contribution from the booking fee will go towards a chosen charity.
Donations of LEGO welcomed
As the project gets ready to launch, Katie is appealing for LEGO donations from local residents.
She is currently looking for:
- loose bricks
- old or incomplete sets
- mini-figures
- base plates
All donated LEGO will stay in Andover and be used for community building sessions and even bricks that have been sitting unused in cupboards could help create something meaningful for local people.
Bringing people together
Katie said the goal of BRIKT is about more than building models.
It is about creating a space where people can:
- meet new people
- relax and unwind
- share creativity
- connect through a simple activity
The project hopes to create a welcoming environment where imagination and community spirit can grow – one brick at a time.
You can find out more about BRIKT at www.brikt.co.uk.