Macclesfield: One Project and Modern Woolfare open up new community shop on Mill Street
By Alex Greensmith
30th Aug 2024 | Local News
A Macclesfield good cause now has a permanent home on the high street.
Macc OneTen is a new shared space by One Project and Modern Woolfare.
Macc OneTen is located on 110 Mill Street, hence the name, in what has recently been Mexican takeaway, and then later an office for Utility Warehouse Macclesfield.
One Project Macclesfield is an environment and community group focused on supporting and engaging the local and global community to support sustainable living.
As well as giving out surplus food to the community, One Project also recycles things that are tricky to recycle.
And now they have a charity shop, as well as a permanent home for those in need to collect their food which includes past-their-best bread, to prevent it going to waste.
Previously located on Macclesfield Indoor Market, One Project will be sharing Macc OneTen with the business Modern Woolfare.
Macclesfield resident Kate Ellis is the current friendly face behind One Project.
Fellow former Macclesfield Indoor Market trader Modern Woolfare has also moved in.
Macclesfield resident Brian Painter creates bespoke, wool garments that look trendy too.
Macclesfield Nub News went down to Macc OneTen for chat with Kate Ellis and Brian Painter.
"One Project is a community shop for everybody", said Kate.
"We have surplus food, available for free those who need it, or at reduced prices.
"There is no sign ups, requirements or referrals needed. It is not based on postcodes.
"It is a safe space for people to come, free food, affordable clothing and household items, with things that are free for those in need.
"Ultimately, we are carrying on our zero waste mission."
An open day to officially open their new space will take place on Saturday, August 31, from 10am.
"This Saturday is a chance to come and have a look, see what we are all about," told Kate.
"There will be a cake and a drink for everyone who comes in, which is a bit of a thank you as the whole community has helped this come to fruition.
"People have been amazing with the JustGiving, over £10,000 donated to help us move."
Brian also told of what we can expect on the open day "There is going to be a raffle / tombola, with prizes donated by other businesses."
"A friend of mine who does hand foraged teas and elixirs will be here too.
"It is really just to have a specific day to tell people that we are here, come and have a brew, or a drink, some cakes, and either reintroduced themselves to One Project and Modern Woolfare, or discover us.
"Coming out of the Indoor Market has allowed us to introduce ourselves to more people, we have already met more people who didn't know who One Project were, and we have a higher footfall here on Mill Street."
Both Brian and Kate are part of Totally Locally Macclesfield, with Brian even recently having his clothes exhibited in the Totally Locally Fashion Show.
So make sure you bring your Totally Locally card if you are spending money here.
Being champions of Macclesfield's local economy and independent organisations, it means the world to both Kate and Brian to have a space of their own on Macclesfield's high street.
By co-sharing the space, Brian is also stepping up to do responsibilities for One Project, as well as Modern Woolfare.
"If you are able, make a donation, if you are not able, you can take surplus food for free," he said.
"The number of items you can take are limited, we have people who come in are homeless, so this is a lifeline for them.
"We only collect surplus food when the foodbanks don't, so food isn't being diverted from elsewhere."
Food ranges from fresh, to frozen, plus bread day is on Friday.
A small selection of toiletries can also be collected, including women's sanitary products.
"We have always supported independent businesses and Brian has a similar ethos, so it is a natural fit to work together," added Kate.
"There will also be a recycle drop off point here for your empty plastics too, which we will continue to process at The Hive on Turnock Street."
Other ways of generating revenue will be through workshops that will be held in the rear room of the store, which will also serve as Brian's workshop for making his clothing.
Kate meanwhile will hosts craft activities for free to teach skills in the community, and the space can also be used by the community.
"The long term goal is open a very small community cafe on-site to serve brews and bakes, to bring the community together and make things accessible for the community," revealed Kate.
"This will also be another way of generating revenue for the charity."
If you don't know One Project from their surplus food programme, you may know them from their other eco initiatives.
One Project also adds and maintains green spaces in our area.
Their current gardens in Macclesfield area the Ivy Bank School, and the urban garden next to The Salvation Army.
One Project also get their green fingers out on the area in front of Domino's Pizza, plus planters on Prestbury Road and a community garden in Gawsworth.
The latter of which, has become a sustainability success story, and led to wider recognition.
And the new shop isn't the sole reason to celebrate.
One Project has been nominated for a BBC Manchester Award in the 'Green Nomination' category, which spotlights non-profits who have made a big impact to their local community.
They will find out if they have won next Friday.
"The award recognises the hard work all our volunteers do,," told Kate.
"We have over 20 core volunteers which we are very grateful for.
"And thank you to everyone in Macclesfield for their support."
The current hours for the new shop are 10am to 2pm, every day except Sunday (barring Treacle Sunday).
For more information about Macc OneTen, please head in-store or follow One Project and Modern Woolfare on social media.
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