Social enterprises celebrate opening The Exchange in Stroud

By jbarber jo barber jo.barber@glosmedia.co.uk

STROUD'S innovative, shared workshop space The Exchange has been officially launched.

The celebration showcasing social enterprises, which was followed by a party, marked the end of two years of effort to transform an old school building in Brickrow.

The Exchange was home to a range of community and charitable organisations, said programme manager Clare Mahdiyone.

It also boasted Stroud's most innovative and eco-friendly conference and meeting room facilities for up to 75 people, she said.

"The Exchange is the result of a combined effort by Stroud Commonwealth and the Social Enterprise Centre.

"The former old Girls School has undergone a £200,000 transformation with support from generous lenders, public funding, and a small loan from specialist lender Charity Bank," said Ms Mahdiyone.

The Exchange was formally opened by Peter Couchman, chief executive officer of the Plunkett Foundation, which opened the Social Enterprise Centre in Stroud in 2001.

Lucy Findlay from the Regional Infrastructure for Social Enterprise also attended and talked about the social economy across the South West region.

More than 70 people involved with community businesses from across Gloucestershire were also there and shared expertise and information.

The overall design of the building reflects the project's commitment to sustainability and the redevelopment works were all done by local firms.

Ms Mahdiyone said the original school, which dates back to the 1800s, had its natural features enhanced.

"We are thrilled that we have made this exciting project a reality," she said.

"We want to bring the whole community together and provide something for everyone."

The vision and business idea behind The Exchange is that a high quality community venue is provided at affordable prices for use by community groups and the general public.

Rental income from affordable workspaces for local social enterprises, charities and other not-for-private-profit organisations, subsidise it.

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