A NEW community business space could soon be opening in an old charity shop in Dursley. 

Social enterprise The Engine are planning to open a business hub in the old Oxfam Shop in Silver Street - which closed down last year. 

Organisers say they hope the site will attract new businesses to come and get support and resources they need.

A drop-in morning for members of the public is due to take place at the venue tomorrow, Saturday, June 8.

It is hoped the space will officially open from the beginning of July.

An organiser said: “The Engine has been approached by a supportive landlord to enable a community business space in the old Oxfam Shop. 

“We intend to make it clean and comfortable, enabling people to meet, create, connect, purchase, develop and succeed over the coming two years. 

“Our aspiration is that this is an amazing opportunity to test and find the key ingredients that work to ensure we can sustainably support our businesses, education, training and economic needs of the locality, working together for many more years to come.

“Having a greater presence on the street will enable The Engine CIC to connect with our community, grow ideas and support local business needs. 

“This really is a resource for the town to maximise, please get in touch if you have an idea to share.”

Organisers have revealed they have already dates in their diary including the town’s summer festival on July 13 plus hosting a Santa's Grotto at the festive lights switch on event. 

The spokesperson added: “The idea being that we will create activity under two broad areas - sustainable retail and affordable canvas

“Sustainable retail – offering a shop presence, use of advertising, promotion and sales for local people with a ‘side hustle’ i.e. what they do is not their main income or activity. 

“This includes artisans looking for a retail space, pop up businesses, egg florist or to trial the market for new products and services, local groups such as a school uniform exchange, sports kit exchange, eco products and many more.

“An affordable canvas – for the creative sector providing exhibition space, workshops, products and services that are supported by our local community.

“It is intended that our activities and projects will complement and enhance what is already happening, attracting greater interest in the centre of Dursley. 

“The premise location is a ‘window to what’s on offer in the town’ and we intend to maximise links and work in partnership with others to ensure that the town and surrounding area thrive and prosper from our activities. 

“The Escape Room has been a super example of a community business that provides indirect benefit to other local businesses through onward spending of its clients who would not have visited the town otherwise.”