Believing in the Power to Change may seem like believing in the impossible.
If you popped your head into the former Clipper Pub on Union Street you would witness a stunning work in progress that is making the impossible possible through cheerful volunteering and not being afraid to go where none have been before!
The Plymouth Chronicle found Hannah Sloggett and Lizzie Guest deep in the former men’s urinal wrenching off the fixtures after weeks of work.
“This will become one of our lovely retail units”, explained Wendy Hart, a director of Nudge Community Builders, alongside Hannah.
Nudge are experts in taking the unlovely and turning it around
It does take vision to see how a former, somewhat unpleasant toilet can be transformed in this way, but Nudge are experts in taking the unlovely and turning it around.
“As local residents, we are passionate about Union Street, and about effecting change ourselves, rather than waiting and wishing that someone else would do it” said Wendy.
“We bought the old pub as a Community Benefit Society, with help from the Affordable Housing Loan Facility from Plymouth City Council. The shares will cost as little as £50, can be bought by anyone, or by a group, and will yield a 3.6% return. It is a risk, like any stocks and shares, but investors can guarantee that their money will be part of bringing life back to Union Street one property at a time.
“The plan is to convert the downstairs of the pub into a communal market area where people can try out a business idea with no strings attached.” said Hannah.
“We’re looking for local people, students and others who have something they might like to sell in our space…”
“We’re looking for local people, students and others who have something they might like to sell in our space, perhaps just on a pay as you go basis, or on a short-term lease. The building will be transformed into a hub with a café/bar and a lovely quirky outdoor space that will back onto the proposed Boulevard running from Millbay.
“Someone could even run the café on a taste it and see basis to see if they could make a business out of their hospitality idea.
“Even if used as a cut through, it will be an exciting, vibrant inside/outside space full of creativity and invention – food, flowers and feel good.
“We hope to open the down stairs shortly and will start renovating the upstairs, so we can let two flats out to local people in need.
“The investment for shareholders will grow as we renovate the property, increasing its market value, and from the rental income of the flats and business units.
“All profits can only be used for the purposes of the organisation, which is to bring back derelict buildings in Stonehouse into use in fun and surprising ways.”
It’s such a simple yet revolutionary idea. Owning shares means that you could invite friends and family out to eat in what is effectively “your” business – (bound to impress even the most cynical of them!)
You may not be able to singlehandedly rip out urinals or transform a pub counter with mosaic but joining together and becoming a shareholder means that every achievement, step forward, and success is shared by you.
Most of the Directors and Board of Nudge Community Builders live and work in the area. The ideas started at the very first Union Street Party 10 years ago; developed with Union Corner being brought back to use; and the same people are developing them now, one nudge at a time to transform the Street forever. It will take patience, but it will be ethical, and regeneration will happen – all thanks to the community itself and its supporters.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact wendy@nudgecommunity or look on Facebook at Nudge Community Builders. They are at the Clipper, 65 Union Street, every Wednesday and Friday from 9 to 12 if you would like to pop in or help out.
Or they are at Corner Soup at Union Corner every Tuesday 12-2pm, Wednesday 1-3pm and Thursday from 12-2pm if you would like to chat over free tasty vegetable soup.
