06:01PM, Thursday 19 March 2026
A long-standing social enterprise and creative hub in Maidenhead town centre is appealing for help to find a new home in the town ahead of the closure of the Nicholsons Centre.
The Craft Coop CIC has spent the last 15 years serving the Maidenhead community and has supported hundreds of local craftspeople, while also delivering a range of initiatives from its shop in the Nicholsons Centre.
However, with the centre scheduled to close in June, ahead of a major redevelopment by Areli, the team is now appealing for help to search for alternative premises.
The not-for-profit organisation is welcoming contact from businesses, landlords, community venues or partners who may be able to offer a suitable space or collaboration opportunities.
Teresa Mills, founding director, Craft Coop, said: “Maidenhead has been such an important part of our journey – it’s where it all started with Deborah Jones 15 years ago from where we have helped 100s of makers and even run the Maidenhead Town Show.
“This isn’t just about finding another shop – it’s about protecting a space where local creativity, small businesses and community wellbeing can continue to thrive.”
The Craft Coop supports local makers through providing business support, retail space and opportunities to ‘grow sustainable creative business’.
Over the years, the organisation has delivered a range of activities and initiatives in Maidenhead town centre.
These include wellbeing workshops, children’s craft activities and social sessions designed to reduce isolation.
The team has organised a range of popular projects over the years, including organising free pumpkin carving in the Nicholsons Centre for Halloween and activity sessions for Lunar New Year.
Craft Coop has also created poppy displays for Remembrance and used methods including knitting and crocheting to make a display for the window of Maidenhead Foodshare, when it was based in the Nicholsons Centre.
Other projects have included working with the community on an ‘Our Maidenhead’ mural and creating a knitted and crocheted 3D display of the King’s speech at the end of the Second World War, which was displayed at Maidenhead MP Josh Reynolds’ constituency office.
One major event the Craft Coop has delivered for several years is the Maidenhead Town Show. Each October, the event has taken over the town centre with a range of attractions, including a full programme of live entertainment, competitions and a host of food and drink vendors and craft stalls.
The 12th annual show, which took place in October and was in aid of Thames Valley Adventure Playground (TVAP).
While the team is looking for a permanent retail and community space to move into, it is also searching for an interim solution and storage space.
This could include a regular, weekly venue to hold a handmade craft market, alongside community sessions.
Teresa added: “We’re open to creative solutions.
“Whether it’s a vacant unit, shared space or a venue we could use on a weekly basis, we’d love to hear from anyone who might be able to help.”
As the closure of the Nicholsons Centre approaches in June, a number of businesses have either relocated or are set to close.
Among them is clothing store Hardedge, which is shutting after more than 30 years in the town.
Anyone with any suggestions or opportunities for Craft Coop can get in touch via its social channels or website: www.craftcoop.co.uk
Most read
Stock image of Maidenhead High Street.
Top Articles
A woman was found dead in a car park outside Iceland and B&M Home Store in Montrose Avenue on Saturday afternoon (February 21).
A hotel by the Maidenhead riverside has reopened following major interior refurbishment.
Archive image of St George’s School in Ascot (Google)
A former head of year at an Ascot private boarding school has been banned from the teaching profession after she was convicted of sexual activity with a child.
© Copyright 2024 Baylis Community Media CIC All right reserved
