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Recovery programme homes new tenants in vacant shops
20/09/2021
Leases were signed last week as the Meanwhile in Oxfordshire programme begins the transformation of long term empty units
Two formerly vacant shop units in Banbury town centre now have new tenants after being transformed as part of the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ economic recovery programme.
Orinoco, a community organisation that encourages the creative reuse of materials, and Oxfordshire Youth signed leases for their spaces last week. Both will run for one year with the potential to be extended.
Makespace Oxford are the lead delivery partner on the programme, which is running across the county. They have helped Orinoco to open a retail shop selling recycled goods at 15 High Street, including arts and craft supplies, materials, refurbished tools, household items and DIY kit.
Oxfordshire Youth is a youth development charity supporting young people to reach their potential. They are settling in to 26a Market Place from where they will be running a youth hub until they move into another ‘meanwhile’ space located nearby this winter.
‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ aims to break down barriers for those looking for space from which to operate. The programme also aims to breathe life back into the high number of underused spaces on Oxfordshire’s high streets, supporting economic recovery in the wake of the pandemic.
Since running a successful pop-up shop in Banbury in December of last year, Orinoco had been struggling in their search for a town centre home. Project coordinator Lisa Hawtin said: “We were finding it difficult to find somewhere both suitable and affordable, and so were thrilled when Makespace were able to help us secure a High Street location through the ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ project.
“We are so excited we will soon be able to offer Orinoco’s unique blend of recycling and creativity again to everyone in Banbury.”
Orinoco’s new shop will open on 2nd October.
Oxfordshire Youth offers a variety of youth-focused programs including sector support and training; mental health and wellbeing services; skills for life and support for young people living in supported accommodation.
Heather Morison, Head of Operations at the charity, said: “We are extremely excited to announce the opening of our Youth Hub right in the centre of Banbury, allowing us to provide more support than ever to the young people of Banbury.”
“Having this space on the high street will give increased visibility to our work and allow us to reach more young people. Finding high street shop front property at charity budgets is a hugely difficult task. Makespace has put in so much hard work to support us and make sure that the space is everything which we need.”
Andy Edwards, Programme Lead at Makespace Oxford, says “we’re delighted to see Orinoco and Oxfordshire Youth moving into these Banbury spaces. These are brilliant, purpose-led organisations that will help us bring to life a new and more sustainable vision for our high streets and urban centres.”
As a county-wide initiative, Cherwell has been one of the first areas of focus for the programme. Councillor Lynn Pratt, Lead Member for Economy, Regeneration and Property at Cherwell Council said: “Town centres everywhere are still on a journey of rediscovery following COVID restrictions, and we are delighted to see the Meanwhile in Oxfordshire programme delivering results for Banbury.
“The town centre is full of potential for social enterprises and charities – as well as for more traditional retail businesses. I believe Orinoco and Oxfordshire Youth – with their strong focus on social and environmental value – will offer a great deal to the community and to the vibrancy of central Banbury.”
The ‘Meanwhile in Oxfordshire’ programme launched in February of 2021, and Makespace have received over 295 applications for space from a diverse range of organisations, including small charities, start-ups, independent retailers and creatives. They have inspected over 175 vacant properties, are negotiating leases on 30, and aim to bring many more spaces online in the coming months.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam