The Shed at Whitehill & Bordon celebrated its 3rd birthday on 1 June in what is a real success story for the town having welcomed more than 1 million visitors since opening its doors and especially for the opportunity it has provided to local fledgling businesses to build their operations there.
The Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Company (WBRC) opened The Shed as the country was coming out of the Covid pandemic, but with still many restrictions in place and the impacts of the Ukraine war, the cost of living crisis and government decisions driving up interest rates still to hit. Despite this economic turbulence it has matured and continued to evolve to provide a focal point for the community to enjoy its hospitality, entertainment, great food and a place to meet.
Key to this is the support and opportunity provided to local businesses including start-ups and new innovations in retail, food service and more recently commercial businesses in the space on the first floor, in a hub where these businesses can grow. Some 25 local businesses now operate out of The Shed with occupancy rates above the national levels. Not every business that set up has been able to make a success in the challenging economic environment but there are many who have thrived.
Rebels’ Quarter, who operate a number of outlets including the highly popular Acorn’s Café and 350 Burger have grown from a mobile Coffee Truck into a business employing 50 staff and apprentices and are thankful for the opportunity provided. Greg Stafford, prospective Conservative parliamentary candidate “celebrated the local brilliance” when he visited The Shed and met the driving force behind the business – Dwayne Cartwright. He was full of praise: “I have so much admiration for Dayne, for not only crafting incredible food experiences but also for being a job creator extraordinaire… and a beacon of local opportunities.”
Following on in that tradition The Shed is thrilled to welcome its most recent addition with another Hampshire business in Jude’s Ice Cream opening its first ever branded ‘bricks and mortar’ outlet to offer its award-winning ice cream range as a fantastic addition to The Shed’s line-up: “We will offer treats for all the family from delicious plant-based and dairy flavours to lower-sugar options for kids.”
The Shed was also intrinsic to the success of recently departed Hermanos who outgrew their space but acknowledge its role in building their business from a food van into now two full-service restaurants: “We sincerely hope that our unit in The Shed will be taken on by another young and excited independent business and make the same connections in the community, from customers to staff and like-minded entrepreneurs.”
In the first floor workspaces SiGNAL, whose vision is to make Bordon “the best place to start and run a business in the UK”, now accommodates some 13 local businesses. Managing Director, Emma Selby said: “It is essential for a successful commercial community for small business owners and start-ups to have a place to connect and an environment that supports collaboration.”
Also core to The Shed’s attraction, as well as the monthly markets, is the range of regular and mostly free entertainment provided every week, especially in school holidays; the seasonal and festive events as well as special highlights including Music and Beer Festivals; Comedy and Film Nights; the spectacular Night at The Proms in Town Park and the collaborations with the rest of the town for the Fireworks, Soapbox Derby and the upcoming D-Day celebrations.
James Child, Project Lead at WBRC, reflected:
“The Shed was conceived to be a flexible multi-purpose facility, blending work, leisure and community togetherness to create a unique venue for East Hampshire.
“The combination of food, drink, music, theatre, comedy, workspaces, major events and celebrations has contributed to the evolution of the town and has become an intrinsic part of the community.
“We look forward to the future as we are close to realising the town’s ambitions for the next phase with a food store, more shopping and health facilities.”
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