University of Central Lancashire set to open shop in Preston city centre
The University of Central Lancashire is planning to open a city centre shop providing a weekly menu of services and activities for the general public.
It is all part of the institution’s plan to strengthen its links with the local community.
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Hide AdThe university is taking over a former building society premises in Lune Street for the new shop, In The City, which is set to open by the end of March.
Currently empty, the premises will undergo a refurbishment over the next few weeks.
It will host both UCLan-led and community group activities such as exhibitions, health and wellbeing services, business and legal advice workshops and science clubs.
The shop’s activities will be published online in advance on a weekly basis with people being encouraged to send in their own proposals for possible events.
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Hide AdUCLan’s head of communications and engagement Dr Jo Heaton-Marriott is working on the initiative.
She said: “UCLan is committed to developing strong links and partnerships with the local community and our ‘In the City’ shop will be a melting pot for new ideas and initiatives which can really drive our city forward.
The new facility will be open-access and most sessions will be run free of charge.”
Suggestions so far in the running include first aid workshops provided by the UCLan School of Nursing, a Saturday morning children’s science club run by the UCLan and Royal Institution Young Scientist Centre and live literature projects such as storytelling and creative writing events.
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Hide AdPeople can also call in to find out more about UCLan courses and take part in drop-in taster sessions.
Anyone wanting to know more about the initiative or wanting to propose a workshop idea can contact the In the City shop team at [email protected]