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Community hub opens in former House of Fraser site

BBC People queueing at a food counter to make an orderBBC
People are asked to pay what they can for meals at The Long Table

A group of social enterprises have opened in a former department store building.

The community hub, including a pay-what-you-can restaurant and a bike repair shop first opened in Brimscombe Mill in Stroud, and has now expanded to a second site in Cirencester on the former House of Fraser site.

It follows months of uncertainty about the future of the organisations' original home, after they were given notice to leave in March.

The new hub opened on Friday, with the community kitchen, The Long Table, a spokesperson said: "We couldn't be more excited to welcome you in."

The building has been empty since House of Fraser closed in 2019 and is now home to a preloved children's items store, a second-hand furniture organisation and a bicycle repair shop.

A black board detailing numbers and actions Kids Stuff has taken, such as welcoming people into its shop and the amount of donated items it was repurposed and recycled. Next to it is a counter with books and games in it and a stuff grey rabbit sitting on top
Kids Stuff Cirencester provides preloved children's items to families in need

Organisers of The Long Table Cirencester, explained in a Facebook post: "Every meal dished up from the kitchen is served on a pay-as-you-can basis, helping to create a space where everyone can enjoy great food, no matter their circumstances."

They added: "It’s going to be amazing seeing everyone experience this incredible space.

"A huge thank you to our incredible team, volunteers, and community for making this happen."

Five bikes lined up next to an A-board that says Refurbished Bike For Sale
The Bike Drop is now based in both Cirencester and Stroud

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