Surrey Heath Borough Council has helped facilitate the return of a local craft collective to Camberley town centre, supporting local artisans.
Craft Coop, previously based on Grace Reynolds Walk in The Square shopping centre, is a Community Interest Company (CIC) whose popular shop provides an outlet for unique locally made items to be sold, along with workshops and activities. After a government change to mandatory business rate relief, the Camberley store closed in September due to unsustainable overheads.
After discussions with the council a plan for Craft Coop’s return to Camberley was devised, based on Craft Coop’s wider community and economic benefit. This involves a level of discretionary rate relief being applied to Craft Coop to support them while they apply for full charitable status. This will allow them to incorporate more projects of wider community benefit into their programme, while becoming financially sustainable.
Craft Coop Camberley’s role as a community hub has included support for disability groups and young adults from Surrey Choices, providing extensive donations and gifts for local charities and offering weekly free craft activities for children.
A change of location has also been organised, with Craft Coop now based on Obelisk Way in The Square.
The discretionary rate relief was approved by the council Executive at the latest meeting, and will remain in place until charitable status is achieved or until the end of the financial year, whichever is sooner.
Craft Coop CIC director Heidi Berry said: “We are so happy that we have been able to reopen our Camberley Craft Coop shop.
“We are really grateful to Surrey Heath Borough Council for their help in organising our return to Camberley - we couldn’t have done it without their assistance.
“The discretionary business rate relief is a huge help while we apply for charitable status.
“Our aim is to transform Craft Coop into a permanent charitable asset for the borough, building stronger communities and brighter futures.
“We look forward to welcoming customers to our new shop on Obelisk Way – just in time for the busy lead up to Christmas!”
Surrey Heath Borough Council Leader Cllr Shaun Macdonald: “I am pleased that we have been able to help Craft Coop return to The Square. As a popular social enterprise they showcase many local talented makers and craftspeople in our area, offering a wider community benefit.
“We are committed to supporting a strong local economy, and this proposal helps ensure that The Square and Camberley as a whole continues to provide a varied retail and hospitality offering to local residents and visitors.”