New sustainable businesses open in Burgess Hill

Scrapless and Remake Fashion opened in the former William Hill Interiors unit in The Martlets Shopping Centre on Saturday, October 17.

It comes after negotiations between Robert Eggleston, leader of Burgess Hill Town Council and New River, the landlord of The Martlets, to provide favourable leases to promote new businesses and organisations in the town.

Scrapless sells foodstuffs, household goods and essentials without the environmentally damaging plastic packaging.

Customers can bring their own reusable containers which are filled and weighed at the shop thus saving on plastic packaging.

The shop will be introducing other lines such as locally sourced bakery goods and fruit and vegetables. It will also provide information and workshops on how to help save our planet by supporting easy yet effective steps to sustainable buying.

Remake Fashion is an innovative sustainable fashion store selling, new, pre-loved and upcycled clothing and accessories. It offers a beautifully curated selection of garments from the high street to designer.

Its philosophy is that clothes can be ‘re-loved’ and the styling of garments is key. Fast fashion is damaging both environmentally and socially and Remake Fashion will help to reverse that trend.

Alongside Scrapless and Remake Fashion, The Kiln, a project developed by Burgess Hill Shed, will be opening its doors in November, having taken over the former Argos unit. It will provide an opportunity for people with skills to manufacture and recycle useful items.

The Burgess Hill Pantry is also due to open in January 2021.

Mr Eggleston said: “As a town council we refused to stand by and allow these units to remain empty.

“Lifting trading activity and improving footfall is vitally important to us so that we get the breathing space we need before any redevelopment takes place.

“We have no control over the redevelopment and cannot say when, or if, it will happen. But what we can do is bridge the gap and give opportunities to local entrepreneurs and support the local economy through incredibly difficult circumstances.

“I am delighted to welcome Scrapless, Remake Fashion and The Kiln into the town and know that they will make a positive difference. I wish all three success.”

A town council spokesman added: “The town has watched with dismay as shops closed in anticipation of the proposed redevelopment of the centre.

“Unfortunately, negative trading on the high street and Covid-19 has delayed the development and rather than continue to have empty shop units the town council decided to do something about it.

“Keen to promote new businesses and bring activity back to the centre of town, the town council is providing an affordable opportunity for new entrepreneurs to set-up by helping with the fit-out and negotiating favourable lease terms.

“In addition, a monthly market has been established with 25 stalls selling a variety of home produce and bespoke goods which is helping to bring life back to the town centre.”

Meg King, of Scrapless, said: “I can’t wait to be able to provide our community with a more convenient and more accessible way to reduce waste.

“I want people to realise that they don’t have to be perfect at being waste free.

“Just starting with refilling your cleaning products will help you save money and help save the planet.

“We have around 130 different food and cleaning products for refilling and homeware products as well to get you going in this new lifestyle. There is something for all.”

Its proprietor Katy Wright added: “I feel passionately about the impact that the fashion industry is having both environmentally and socially around the world.

“I want to offer an alternative to fast fashion whilst supporting the sustainable fashion movement. I hope that my store will offer the local and wider community an alternative whilst still having style and fantastic clothing at its heart.”

Closely aligned to The Shed on the business park, The Kiln allows, in particular, retired artisans to practice their skills in a friendly, unrushed situation and provide the opportunity for local people to release creativity, share interests and skills, pursue hobbies and participate in worthwhile community projects.

In addition, The Kiln provides a venue for community events and is home to the Repair Café.

Trustee of the Burgess Hill Shed, Eric Palmer, said: “Our experience in developing Burgess Hill Shed, has shown that sensible action with community participation can achieve a great deal, and we believe that this philosophy can be applied in the same way to create an open community space in the town centre for the enjoyment of everyone.”

The Burgess Hill Pantry will provide support for residents hardest hit by the current economic situation.

Members will benefit from low cost foodstuffs and essentials provided through the Fareshare Charity.

Negotiations with two more entrepreneurs and another charity are at an advanced stage.

It is hoped more shops in this quarter of the town’s shopping centre will be reoccupied over the next few months.