Plans to transform a former West Cumbrian depot into a furniture recycling centre have been revealed.
BEC want to turn the old Focus Scaffolding base in Mirehouse in Whitehaven into Revive, which will upcycle donated furniture to be sold to those in need.
The social impact property developers has submitted a planning application for the scheme to Cumberland Council.
A public consultation has been launched so people can give their views and have an input into the facility’s design and use.
BEC said: “From the facility in Mirehouse, Revive will be a destination where the local community can donate furniture and household items for sale or free distribution to those in need, as well as learn and engage, with the goal of reducing waste going to landfill, improving local people’s skills and reducing social isolation and addressing social, economic and health inequalities.”
The project will be delivered in three phases, BEC said with the first phased anticipated to start mid-2024, subject to permission being granted.
Phase one will focus on furniture and household items– collecting donated furniture and redistributing it to vulnerable residents or through sale, at an affordable cost, to members of the public.
Phase two will introduce skills and training through upcycling these items, where they are not in good condition or need to be repurposed and phase three will see the introduction of the Care and Repair café – where people can come to repair an item, learn new skills, access support, take part in activities, build friendships, and reduce loneliness and isolation.
Emma Wiliamson, community impact manger at BEC and Revive project lead, said: “This facility is going to be a huge asset for the community.
“There are many families and individuals in vulnerable positions today, we want Revive to help them through providing low-cost furniture, with opportunities for free distribution, so they can create their own safe space called home.
“I’m really pleased to see this project moving forward and look forward to seeing it in action.”
Michael Pemberton, chief executive of BEC, said: “Here at BEC, we’re honoured to be supporting the redevelopment of the site in Mirehouse as Revive.
“A very special project at the heart of the community, a place that will change lives and bring an unused space back into use.
“This is a place in the community and for the community and that’s exactly where we want to be.”
BEC is holding a public consultation event on November 20 at Mirehouse Community Centre, Whitehaven.
