The much anticipated transformation of a Suffolk village’s former supermarket into a new community retail venture was celebrated this week - four years after the site was last in use.
Scores of Wickham Market residents turned out on Wednesday to watch a ribbon cutting ceremony, marking the opening of the new Inspirations community shop at the old East of England Co-op building.
The venture, which had been funded by more than 200 shares bought by 140 local people to help get businesses up and running, is hoped to bring a new lease of life to the building, which is in the heart of the village.
Its long period of closure, which began when the Co-op moved to new premises towards the village outskirts in 2012, had been the focus of much debate between its owners and community leaders, who were keen to find it a new use.
Cath Caudwell, one of Inspirations’ founding directors, said: “We recognised very early on that, although the new Co-op store is of great benefit to the village, the empty store in its prime location on the square needed occupying.
“This project has taken tremendous time and effort by a dedicated team of volunteers to bring it to fruition.”
Inspirations provides retail space for small entrepreneurs, who have been able to start their businesses without being lumbered with the overheads of renting a shop on their own.
Karien, of Chézoe Spa Collection, said she was “absolutely delighted” to be part of it.
“It is such an innovative approach to supporting small retailers,” she added
The new shop offers a range of products, including clothing, accessories, jewellery, gifts, candles, haberdashery and kitchenware.
Shoppers can also pick up children’s toys, aloe vera and spa collections, personalised pictures and artwork.
The East of England Co-op has supported the community interest company behind the venture, set up by the Wickham Market Town Team, Wickham Market Parish Council and the Wickham Market Partnership, to convert part of the former store into a smaller retail unit.
Nick Denny, joint chief executive at the East of England Co-op said; “It was wonderful to see so many people come together to support new businesses and celebrate the official opening of the new Inspirations store in the heart of Wickham Market.
“The creativity, hard work and dedication of local groups and individuals has most certainly paid off and this project is a perfect example of communities pulling together to make something special happen.”
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