Flagship community shop and cafe opens in city

Wolverhampton residents will be able to register to use the service for an annual price of £3 in order to buy food at lower prices

A community shop and cafe has opened its doors in a drive to help people buy food at affordable prices.

The Central Community Shop, in Wolverhampton, has opened at the historic Queen's Building in the city centre, alongside a new social enterprise cafe.

City residents will be able to register to use the service for an annual price of £3 in order to buy food at lower prices.

One of the charities involved in the project said: "This offers a dignified experience for shoppers who are experiencing financial challenges from the cost of living crisis."

The project was backed with £130,000 from the government, as well as money from the council's Household Support Fund and funds from Wolves's official charity, the Wolves Foundation.

The day-to-day operation of the venue will be run by staff and volunteers from the Good Shepherd and the Wolves Foundation.

Money raised from the cafe, which is funded by SJOG Hospitaller Services, will be invested into the Good Shepherd’s free-to-access food and support services and other charitable activities.

Lucy Cox, from the Good Shepherd, said: "Our staff and volunteers are ready to continue their hard work to ensure the shop becomes a really successful part of the city centre and, as part of this exciting new initiative, we are hoping the community café will become popular with commuters, shoppers and office workers within the city."

Ms Cox said the community shop offered a "dignified experience" for shoppers experiencing financial challenges, as well as an opportunity for those who have previously accessed the Good Shepherd’s food service to make a step forward.

The community cafe will be open from Tuesdays to Fridays

Council leader Stephen Simkins said: "This really is a great step forward for the city, not just now during these difficult times, but for years to come.

"The Queen’s Building is a central location for the latest in our community shops, which are dotted across the city and have already helped thousands save on their weekly food bills.

"It will also help people become more financially resilient for the future, helping them, their families and our city to thrive."

The next stage of the programme will be to develop a multi-use space on the building's first floor, aiming to deliver support and interventions that alleviate poverty, build financial stability and offer training and employability guidance.

The community shop will be open from 10:00 until 14:00 GMT on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, while the cafe will open from Tuesday to Friday inclusive, also from 10:00 until 14:00.