ECHO Smart Space

ECHO has taken a major leap in developing our services by buying our first ever building. The purchase was funded through a kind legacy from supporter Janet Smart and a significant grant from The Eveson Trust.

We will be undertaking renovation works on the former Halifax Bank building in West Street, Leominster to create a vibrant and accessible space for people with learning and other disabilities. It will provide a base for a new media and design project, radio broadcasting, arts and crafts as well as a retail area where community members can pop in to buy a range of gifts and creations. The building will also offer meeting rooms for other organisations to use.

This development will enable us to save on rent, create a purpose designed space and bring in new funding.

“This is an exciting time for ECHO, and we are delighted to be supported by The Eveson Trust and by a lasting gift from our long-time supporter Janet Smart to realise our vision and build our future. In recognition of Janet’s legacy, we will be naming the building ‘The ECHO Smart Space’.

Mike Cook, Chief Officer

It will also bring a currently empty property into use and add to the community resources in the heart of Leominster.

Buying a building has been a big decision we have been carefully considering for a while. Reasons we decided to buy:

~Not renting will save us money each year (up to £18,000 per annum).

~It gives us extra space to develop and grow, bringing in more income.

~Owning a property means we can raise capital funds to improve it more easily. This can improve the accessibility and energy efficiency.

~It gives more flexibility to adapt and change as we need to

~The building is the best we have seen in Leominster- it is central, accessible, close to transport.

~There is even potential to rent out rooms/space. 

In recognition of Janet’s legacy we will be naming the building ‘The ECHO Smart Space’ a name that our Rep Group helped to choose.

This is a key part in the development of our charity, which combined with other initiatives planned across the organisation will help to secure ECHO into the future.

We still need your help

Buying the building was only the start of the project as we want to turn it into the top quality facility that our participants deserve. This means that we need your support and that of the community to help with renovations now and into the future.

Could you partner us on our journey to help improve parts of the building? We are looking for assistance from individuals or organisations to help us achieve our dream venue. Whether funding, time or in kind materials or equipment, all will help.

If you would like to support the charity, then please contact us on echo.info@echoherefordshire.co.uk or call 01568 620 307

DONATE

If you would like to donate towards this project then please go to:

Contribute to ECHO Smart Space

Companies

Companies that support the development of the ECHO smart Space will get recognition on our Social media channels and a mention on our supporters wall when the building is complete.

Janet Smart Legacy

Janet was a long time supporter of ECHO and the Arts and it was through a kind gift in her will that we were able to buy the building. In recognition of her lasting support we have named the building after her.

If you are inspired by ECHOs work and would like to support us in your will, find out how to do this here