I founded and am still heavily involved in a makerspace that's doing pretty well (8k sqft facility, 4 staff). Focusing on equipment doesn't work, you have to focus on community building. The only equipment that will draw people are the high ticket $20k+ tools, but you have to have the community first to be able to get those grants.

Seek out grants to start a scholarship fund to pay for people that can't afford memberships.