Idea for community hub Use building for variety of activities and ways of getting financial input to make space viable or self sufficient use and repair, Goal is to get building repaired and fitted out in a suitable way to accommodate kiosk style areas for public to browse and shop for crafted and up-cycled locally made and repurposed products ' Space for artisans to offer workshops to community and create warm friendly social opportunities open to all, inclusive so that less able or vulnerable people can join together and share activities. Using art and crafts to benefit and give confidence Is others using up-cycled and mixed media methods could provide cheaper materials at the same time as offering a recycling option for people who wish to donate' Recycle able items ' This idea is similar to Orinoco and oxford and wood Recycling or Help for Heroes type charity shops. Income could be gained by hiring out space and charging for showcasing local Artisans products. The building could offer a drive thru session bookable for people to drop off their unwanted' items and the Artisan Members could help themselves to the materials even sharing parts of items by mutual arrangements. Apprentice type 'pickers?' Could gain skills as volunteers whilst assist in deconstructing some specific-items even offering electrical apprenticeships by mentors who could repair some goods or repurpose goods just like the BBCTV program Money for Nothing? https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b077nzdc
Space within the building could be set out for advice and giving information even offering a soup kitchen style cafe where people can drop in get warm use a computer and have help to use the internet IT access to various government help pages ' There are many more crafters these days who reuse materials and so help reduce landfill Many artisans are able to share their skills as workshops and offer group sessions The building is in an ideal location for local use, attention, access and fondness of the community Looking to gain support from business experts Who can help show the viability of such a brilliant idea Also wanting support from support groups eg. Charities, Chamber of commerce, Guild of Abingdon Hopefully 'invite and attract Abingdon business as well as national companies especially those who could offer building repair help-either as labour force or with donations of materials- again like challenge Anneka Rice. Here is an example from facebook of a Swedish enterprise that provide recycling in a different way which includes the craft and artisan element… https://inhabitat.com/sweden-opens-an-entire-mall-full-of-reclaimed-goods/?variation=d
My proposal is to transform the building into a usable venue for workshops and group activities. Use some of the space as a showcase of local crafters and artisans homemade products with the emphasis on upcycling and repurposing. (NB additional thoughts below also include complementary therapy opportunities)
Some of the craft artisans could provide workshops and inspire local people to come and experience social time with others.
There could be computers and access to the internet for the public with free wi-fi and 'IT experts' offering help to use the internet to access Govt help and advice etc.
I am hoping that vulnerable and otherwise lonely people would be inspired to come along. ( Jobseekers, Homeless, young mums, retired, disabled, bereaved, depressed, etc.)
In the building other charities could have kiosk space with maybe advice and info sessions.
The building is in a good place within the town to attract involvement of locals and inviting and accessible for donators of unwanted goods to bring them for repurposing by the crafters/artisans on drop in drive thru slots throughout the week.
I have included my sketchy ideas with some examples (in an attachment) of the places and services that currently offer each of these ideas but this place could combine all of these good bits and help one another in the process almost like a commune but without any living accommodation.
Since my first thoughts I realise the space and usefulness of the building would also lend itself to complementary therapies, workshops and showcasing for local therapists….that will enhance health the wellbeing of the community such as Reflexology, aromatherapy, art-therapy and music and movement therapies like Tai-Chi and Yoga just as examples…especially Dig and Grow with the gorgeous garden at the OAH. Many thanks for reading this and fingers crossed you can help… Heather and Stephanie