Specific need
Midlands charity seeks architectural and space planning advice to help monetise their unused building
Location
The Midlands
Organisation
The Shrewsbury Ark
Reference No.
25 643
What do they need help with?
The Shrewsbury Ark, a longstanding charity supporting people experiencing homelessness, owns a substantial property in Shrewsbury that is currently unused and not generating any income. As a small organisation with limited funding, they are seeking expert architectural and/or space planning guidance to understand how the building could be repurposed or developed to generate revenue, while keeping upfront costs to a minimum.
The charity is at the very early stages of this project — they haven’t yet started any formal planning or assessments and are unsure of what is possible or where to begin. What they need is initial professional advice to help assess viable options and identify a route forward.
The property is located at 32 Castle Foregate in Shrewsbury (SY1 2EH). While full building specifications have not yet been provided, any advice or support that could help scope potential income-generating uses for the building would make a significant difference.
The Shrewsbury Ark is keen to explore all opportunities to ensure their premises can contribute to long-term sustainability of their services — especially as demand for homelessness support continues to grow in the area. This is a chance to help a committed grassroots organisation make the most of a key asset and continue delivering life-changing support to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
Timeline
As soon as possible
About the organisation
The Shrewsbury Ark is a small but vital charity offering practical and emotional support to people who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or in crisis. Founded over 20 years ago by local churches and volunteers, the charity has grown into an essential part of Shropshire’s support network.
Operating from a welcoming day centre, The Ark provides food, showers, laundry facilities, and a safe space for those in need. Staff and volunteers help clients access benefits, healthcare, housing and specialist support for mental health and addiction. Their Tenancy Readiness Programme equips people with the skills to sustain housing long-term.
Each year, The Ark supports more than 300 individuals, helping them build confidence, regain independence, and move off the streets. In the past year alone, the team supported 80 people into safe accommodation and delivered over 9,000 meals. Every £1 donated to the charity is estimated to generate £6 of social value across the community.