A NEW project to create a pop-up store selling new and pre-loved building materials, home accessories, and decoration supplies at a fraction of the retail price is set to start in Frome this February.

The brains behind the UK’s first Community Fridge, the Share Library of Things, and Loop Frome, Edventure Frome, has announced a new project to create an alternative DIY shop, aimed at transforming waste, promoting repairs, and building community connections.

Materials are to be sourced from nearby DIY stores, tradespeople’s leftovers, and anyone who wants to dispose of those ‘too good to waste’ materials lurking in their garage.

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The project also aims to host workshops on upcycling and basic DIY skills for all.

Edventure is now seeking people to take on this project.

To do this, people are being asked to join its ‘incubation’ training course, starting on February 7, where they will learn all the skills required.

“Participants will explore key questions for the alternative DIY store project, including determining what DIY materials can be salvaged from waste streams, identifying a suitable store location, estimating costs, developing a sustainable business model, and planning effective marketing strategies,” an Edventure spokesperson said.

“The course will draw on the huge range of reuse activities already happening in Frome, and will be of particular interest to people wanting to learn more about creating value from waste, setting up retail pop-ups, and how the circular economy works at a local level.”

The course will be based at the Edventure Hub in Frome and will run on Fridays from February 7 to June 27 from 9.15am to 2.45pm.

“Edventure’s alternative DIY store project will build on Edventure’s strong track record of initiating local reuse projects that have had a national impact,” a spokesperson added.

“These include the UK’s first Community Fridge, the Share Library of Things, Loop Frome composting from local commercial food waste, MAKE and Everyone Needs Pockets.”

Open to adults from all backgrounds, the course is free for Somerset residents on lower incomes or in priority groups.

For others, the course costs £880.

If cost is a barrier, Edventure encourages applicants to email hello@edventurefrome.org to explore options.

For more information or to apply, visit edventurefrome.org.