At a reception at the Gainsborough Hotel on Thursday 12th May in the presence of 100 special guests, the Genesis Trust launched a £1 million appeal for their major new development in central Bath.
The charity, which this year is celebrating 21 years of working with the city’s most vulnerable and disadvantaged adults, recently received planning permission to refurbish a derelict building on Walcot Street.
The development, to be called the Genesis Centre, will comprise a smart retail shop and workshop in addition to staff offices and training facilities.
The retail shop, which will sell bespoke upcycled furniture that has been renovated by clients, will be an exciting new job creation project for Genesis.
The training centre will assist clients to gain new skills and engage in valuable work experience to prepare them for employment, further study or volunteering opportunities in the community.
Founder and Chairman of Genesis, Sir Peter Heywood, said: “The Next Step Appeal will enable us to build an attractive and purpose designed property giving us a much needed long term home in the city.
“We will then be able to provide more help and support so that many hundreds of vulnerable people in Bath can move forwards in their lives through personal programmes of training, meaningful activity and work experience.
“We are also very much looking forward to becoming part of the vibrant Walcot Street community.”
Appeal Director, Dr Alan Kerbey, said: “This project represents Genesis’ biggest challenge to date. The building in Walcot Street is in a very poor condition and needs significant upgrading before it can be used.
“We have been thrilled with the level of interest, encouragement and support from the wider Bath community – individuals, companies, charitable trusts and churches.
“We are making good progress with our fundraising activities and we are confident that we will reach our target figure of £1m.”
The charity hopes that building work will commence early in 2017.
