Plans for new café and zero waste shop in Southbourne
Plans for a new community café and zero-waste shop have been announced by an organic and education centre in Southbourne.
Tuppenny Barn, which cultivates and harvests organic produce, said the new facilities would create more opportunities for the charity to support the local community.
Called ‘Transforming Tuppenny’, the project involves an eco-build community café and kitchen with indoor seating, a zerowaste shop selling fresh organic produce, a covered area for alfresco dining, a sheltered area for the use of volunteers, staff, school visits, therapy sessions and private hire and a multi-use study.
The building will also have a social purpose in terms of providing training or work experience for various vulnerable groups, including adults with learning difficulties.
Grain Architecture, a Godalming-based design practice specialising in creating energy-efficient buildings using natural, low-carbon materials, was appointed as architects.
Duncan Bryant, a social and therapeutic horticultural therapist at Tuppenny Barn who is managing the project, said: “’Transforming Tuppenny’ will enable us to expand our social purpose by increasing and diversifying our educational activities.
“We hope it will inspire individuals and communities to learn about and enjoy sustainable organic food and allow us to continue to invest in our invaluable employees and volunteers. It is also important that we are able to diversify our income streams to reduce financial risk and our reliance on small grants.”