Community buyout of the Re_Store shop building, capital works to improve the space, along with ongoing support for the subsidised programmes of activities (Rescued Food Project, workshops and events).
Estimated Price
382000
After a successful first year of operation, the Connecting Communities Collective wants to continue to develop and improve our offerings to the community. Re_Store is more than a charity shop- alongside selling affordable food, clothing, books, toys and homewares, we promote sustainability and work to reduce waste. We deliver workshops and events to enable people to learn the skills to repair and upcycle clothing and accessories. We also run a Rescued Food Project, saving short date food from landfill, while offering access to affordable food. We programme events to promote sustainability, share our work and to celebrate our community.
The shop aims to alleviate the impacts of poverty, specifically by reducing food and textile waste and improving skills. While doing this, we have created a social and community hub- a welcoming, safe, creative and encouraging place that helps to alleviate social isolation and promotes community cohesion. We are keen to develop our workshop programme to engage more of the local community. After a successful pilot event in March 2025, we want to run another community fashion show in 2026 to promote sustainability and celebrate the work of Re_Store and the Connecting Communities Collective.
In partnership with a new community-led organisation- the Oban and District Development Trust, the Connecting Communities Collective is working towards the community buyout of the shop building at 113 George St., Oban. This will ensure the security of the shop for the future, along with keeping income within the local economy. Our plans for the sustainability and development of the Re_Store building and the programme of activities are based on the principles of Community Wealth Building.
Why this project is needed:
We have proven that our project is needed by running successfully and smashing projections for sales and uptake in our first year of operation. Feedback from participants and beneficiaries has been incredibly positive and we have evidence via feedback and evaluations that we are having a positive impact on the local community.
Please see the attached document for the full Project Proposal (due to issues with formatting, this wasn't possible to upload)
