UCLan to work with Age UK to create new local community retail store
A Wigan charity is on the search for a retail unit to help boost fundraising efforts, as a result of a new partnership with a Lancashire university.
Age UK Wigan Borough has teamed up with the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to deliver a project which will result in the creation of a retail store with a difference, based around the idea of providing a versatile space which acts as a hub for the local community.
After securing an investment of £20,000 from UCLan’s Investment Fund, the charity, which has also invested £20,000 into the project, has been working with the University to devise new ways to generate funds.
A multifunctional retail space has been planned, which will act as a community hub, providing leisure space for local people to utilise, sell products and create jobs.
Having yet to find a suitable retail space, the charity is hoping local landlords with vacant units in the centre of Wigan will come forward.
"It’s no secret that many charities are being hit by cuts to government funding. By working with the team at UCLan we’ve been able to look at new ways of strengthening our offer and becoming more commercially aware."
John McArdle, Chief Officer at Age UK Wigan Borough, said: “We’re looking for somewhere which will be a suitable location for the people of Wigan to get together, shop and find out more about our work. Any funds raised will benefit people in Wigan Borough over 55 years old and in need of support.
“It’s no secret that many charities are being hit by cuts to government funding. By working with the team at UCLan we’ve been able to look at new ways of strengthening our offer and becoming more commercially aware.”
Michael Summersall, Lecturer in Retail Management at UCLan, said: “We’d encourage contact from landlords in the area who are interested in getting involved in a project which when complete will have created a truly unique community hub to benefit not only the charity, but the Wigan community too.”
For more information on the project, contact Michael Summersall at msummersall1@uclan.ac.uk