News just in – the People’s Cafe has been granted planning permission.

A big thank you to our architect Ana Sutherland, project manager Sam Willis, and the parks department who have helped us to think through the practical implications of running a business in a park.

It’s a big milestone for us, and it means we can move onto the next steps in the process.

Planning permission is one of many things that have been going on behind the scenes over the last few months. Surveyors and engineers have been round. Building firms have been quoting for the work. We’ve been in conversation with funding bodies. Negotiations have been going on with various departments of the council as we establish legal permissions to use the building and the land.

I don’t need to tell you how disruptive 2020 has been. We’ve all been through it together. There’s no question that it adds extra challenges to the project. But despite the quiet, there’s a lot going on. And as soon as we’re allowed to, we’ll get an event or two organised to celebrate progress so far.

Thanks for your interest and support so far, and here’s to the People’s Cafe!