Squeezed in between covid lockdowns, we got hold of an abandoned building in York City Centre for a few weeks.
The space was outdoor, in the forecourt of an old garage, making a perfect covid-compliant location.
We had a weekly outdoor market with local people selling arts and crafts. The focus of this was on affordability, and we attracted many ‘kitchen-table’ entrepreneurs who wouldn’t be in a position to afford – nor commit to – a market stall.
Alongside this, our good friends Anni & Ervin from Nelson Bakery tested the waters for their first ‘bricks and mortar’ outlet, expanding their brilliant and successful online catering business.
They’ve now graduated to their own cafe on Fishergate – head on over, the cakes are amazing!
Projects like this really epitomise the Space Invaders concept. We have so many empty buildings in our towns and cities, let’s hand them over for short, finite periods of time to local social entrepreneurs and spark some energy.
We know from our studies and feedback that social entrepreneurs find financing a physical location their biggest barrier to getting started.
PROJECT CLOSED