Reuse and repair hub to be set up

A £675,000 initiative that will help Newtown move towards a zero waste society has been announced.

The former William Hill betting shop at 3-4 Broad Street is a central part of the initiative between Newtown Town Council and social enterprise Circular Economy Mid Wales.

The partnership, with funding from the Welsh Government, will purchase the building where a Reuse and Repair Hub will be set up.

In addition to helping repair and reuse existing goods, donated items will also be sold from the Household Waste Recycling Centre's 'salvage shed.'

The Repair Cafe, which has previously been held in the Market Hall, will also be located there.

"The space also anticipates being home to a zero plastic / refill shop and attempt to improve how small electrical appliances are repaired and reused," said a statement.

"And finally, there will be space for holding workshops in anything to do with reuse and repair, from upcycling old clothes to soldering the broken radio back together. CEMW wishes to hear from anyone interested in these opportunities."

"The ground floor itself will be fitted out using wherever possible reused and reclaimed materials and equipment, from reclaimed timber flooring to repurposed lighting and electrical fittings.

"CEMW would like to hear from any local tradespeople who have the skills and experiences in this field of working with reclaimed materials.

"The plan is to have the emporium open this spring as a showcase public space. CEMW will also take the idea of reclaimed and repurposed fixtures and fittings to work in other public spaces over the coming year, establishing Newtown as a hallmark of how an economy can simultaneously grow and be sustainable."

Cllr David Selby, Mayor of Newtown, said: "The Town Council is delighted to be working with Welsh Government and Circular Economy Mid Wales on this exciting, innovative project.

"The project is bringing back into use an empty Town Centre shop, providing new jobs, and acting as a hub for reuse of materials and products.  When the Town Council passed its climate emergency motion, the intention was always that it was important to show action and a way forward for our town.

"We welcome this investment in Newtown and look forward for working with CEMW and others in changing our view of waste, reuse, and consumption.  Newtown is now at the forefront of this important national movement."

Town Clerk, Ed Humphreys noted "This is the Town Council in its enabling role, something that's sometimes overlooked.

"By enabling others to bring forward proposals and by taking advantage of the opportunity, the Town Council has been able to lead and channel £675,000 investment from Welsh Government into Newtown Town Centre in a way which helps the community help itself."

Chris Powell for Circular Economy Mid Wales said “This is an incredible vote of confidence in the work of CEMW. As a young social enterprise we have helped bring reuse and repair to public attention by working in partnership with Potters Group to open the Salvage Shed at Newtown’s HWRC, an initiative instigated by Powys County Council.

"This initiative will enable us to expand our capacity enabling us to divert more valuable resources away from landfill and back into the parts of our community that need them. Having a town centre venue to showcase reuse and repair on the high street forms part of our town’s green recovery from Covid."

Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: “I’m delighted to see support from the Circular Economy Fund has backed this joint effort by Newtown & Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and Circular Economy Mid Wales to invest in Newtown and create the new community Reuse and Repair Hub.

“The intent of the Circular Economy is to keep items and materials in use, and out of waste, as long as possible."

If you would like to be involved in this pioneering initiative contact Chris at CEMW on chris@circulareconomy-midwales.org.uk