PLANS to turn part of a Colwyn Bay coffee shop into a ‘social supermarket’ have been given the green light.
Porter’s Coffee Shop and Bistro, at 41-43 Station Road, will see some of its ground floor be converted into a social supermarket, which sell discounted food to people on a low income.
There will also be a “public engagement area” on the site.
The popular coffee shop, which already has sites at Eirias Park and Station Road in Colwyn Bay, recently announced plans to open a new store at Llandudno Junction train station.
MORE: Coffee shop set to open at Llandudno Junction train station
The Porter’s chain is part of CAIS Social Enterprises, the trading subsidiary of Adferiad Recovery, one of Wales’s largest mental health charities.
The social supermarket will be run in conjunction with St Giles Trust Cymru, which works with people facing disadvantages such as homelessness, long-term unemployment, an offending background, addiction, severe poverty and involvement in gangs.
In joint statement, St Giles Trust and CAIS Social Enterprises said: “St Giles Trust Cymru and Adferiad / CAIS Social Enterprises are pleased to say that the planning permission to open our first Y Pantri Cymru in Colwyn Bay has been approved.
“Tailoring our support and adapting our services as the cost-of-living crisis affects us all has been a top priority across our two organisations; and we are looking forward to opening this Social Supermarket together shortly to support the local community.
Y Pantri has an aim to tackle food poverty through redistribution of fresh produce destined for landfill.
“Alongside this nutritious food, the scheme will offer long-term support and expert advice from our trained staff and volunteers; many of whom have direct experience of the issues facing those who are looking to access the service.
“This gives them a unique and expert perspective to support the people welcomed to Y Pantri from Colwyn Bay and the surrounding area.”
Alun Thomas, chief executive of Adferiad Recovery, said: “Adferiad and St Giles Cymru work together on a number of initiatives across Wales, and we are delighted to be working together again on this much needed service, and this further enhances the value and impact of the Station Court development in Colwyn Bay.”
St Giles Trust Cymru’s Head of Wales, Justine Jenkins, added: “This is a great example of the impact we can have in our communities when likeminded organisations work together, enhancing the services we deliver in North Wales for the people of North Wales."
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