Salford Makers artist collective has announced the occupation of a new temporary pop-up shop space on Chapel Street, Salford.

The English Cities Fund, which owns the property – formerly the sales office for the fund’s residential offering in the city – has provided the space for an initial period of six months, for the collective to transform into a shop.

Salford Makers CIC founder, Sally Gilford, explains the ideas behind this project: “We are really grateful for this fantastic opportunity to occupy an interesting space in such a great location.

“One of our main challenges as a collective is being able to connect and reach out to the local and wider community, the development of this new space will help us to overcome that hurdle.

“We will have a broad selection of well made, high quality and affordable products made by established independent artists and makers from Islington Mill and beyond. The shop will feature a curated selection of work to suit all tastes from textiles, lighting, ceramics, jewellery, clothing, accessories and more.

“Early next year we will be looking to develop a social enterprise project which involves working with members of the immediate and wider community to develop new products and commissions. Our aim is to create inclusive spaces where people are able to connect with each other by engaging in creativity. We want to encourage the development of new skills and skill sharing through making to support wellness and positivity, working closing with the local community and partners.”

Just in time for the festive season, members of the public will have the opportunity to buy home wares, gifts and artwork, meet the makers and artists, get involved in making and find out about their future work.

The official opening celebrations are on Friday 9th November from 5pm where you will be able to be the first to see the new shop, meet some of the makers and enjoy 10% off a selection of their new products whilst enjoying some tasty refreshments and goody bag giveaways. There will then be regular opening hours up to Christmas Eve.

Senior sales and marketing co-ordinator at The English Cities Fund, Vicky May, added: “We’re proud to support this partnership with Salford Makers. Salford is a vibrant, exciting city and we want to help its thriving community of artists and makers meet Salford residents who perhaps weren’t previously aware of Islington Mill or its tenants. Rather than leave our sales office sitting dormant while we prepare for our next development to launch, we thought it was the perfect opportunity to provide the Salford Makers with a space to sell their wares from.”

The shop is located at 311 – 313 Chapel Street, Salford, M3 5JU and there is even free tea and coffee and seats to have a perch and a chat for anyone who calls by to say hello.

The English Cities Fund is the joint venture between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse Developments.

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