A pioneering record shop that helped homeless people turn their lives around is to close.
The Music Exchange, in Stoney Street, was opened in 2009 by homelessness charity Framework.
Operated as a social enterprise by the charity’s EVE Trades community interest company, it gave volunteers struggling to find employment and get their lives on track the chance to experience work.
It also supported local artists to raise their profile by selling their work free of commission.
However, in a statement, manager said it has struggled to cope with a “difficult trading environment” and will close on March 19.
We saw little hope of turning things around
Claire Eden, head of employment, volunteering and social enterprise, said: “The Music Exchange, like all the other social enterprises we operate, has always been about people rather than profit, but we need to bring in a certain level of income to keep the shop viable.
“Sadly we have reached a stage where the many benefits the shop brings to vulnerable people are outweighed by the costs of keeping it open.
“We have held off making this decision for as long as we could, but with music retailers across the country feeling the strain, we saw little hope of turning things around.
“I am enormously proud of what the Music Exchange has achieved and heartened to know that so many people will look back on it with fondness.”
Since 2009 more than 300 different volunteers – many of them people with a direct experience of homelessness – have worked in the shop.
A total of 45 people are known to have gained employment immediately after volunteering there.
Manager Brian Mutton said: “I feel so sad to see it close but feel so proud of everything we achieved.
“I’m going to be left with a lot of happy memories and I would like to thank all of our volunteers for their hard work, passion and dedication.”
The shop will hold a farewell concert towards the end of March.
