We work with community groups, heritage organisations and cultural institutions to create buildings and spaces that serve diverse users and support long-term sustainability.
What We Offer
• Support with early feasibility and funding applications
• Community consultation and engagement
• Refurbishment of heritage and cultural assets
• Exhibition, interpretation and display improvements
MOA is proud to be a recommended supplier for Plunkett Foundation, supporting rural communities in setting up and running community businesses.
Plunkett Foundation supports rural communities across the UK to tackle the issues they face through enterprises that are owned and run democratically by members of the community, on behalf of the community. They come in many forms, including shops, pubs, woodlands and anything that lends itself to community ownership.
Being a recommended supplier means that as an organisation we share the Plunkett Foundation’s vision for resilient, thriving and inclusive rural communities across the UK. We understand the operational needs of community businesses and are able to support Plunkett members to find high quality, cost effective solutions for spaces and places, to help them to further their ambitions for sustainable community businesses. MOA is pleased to be able to offer initial consultation with no charge or commitment and have committed to providing our services to organisations working with Plunkett Foundation at a discounted rate.
Find out more about Plunkett Foundation at plunkett.co.uk.
We have worked with
Boldon & Cleadon Community Library - Cotherstone Old Chapel Project - The Bank, Chopwell - The Fox & Goose, Hebden Bridge - The Leeds Recovery House
Featured Projects
The Bank, Chopwell
A project to convert a former high street bank near Gateshead into a new community hub with social space, café, bakery, training facilities and rentable office and arts spaces. The property is subject to an asset transfer from Gateshead Council to the Chopwell Community interest Organisation and is funded in part by the local LEP and has been supported by Plunkett Foundation.
Bolden & Cleadon Community Library
Feasibility study for refurbishment and extension of an existing library near Gateshead, transferred from local authority ownership to a local community group, undertaken in association with Plunkett Foundation. The scheme provides better flexibility for multiple uses and adds much needed meeting and group activity space.
Cotherstone Old Chapel Project
MOA has worked with a community group to see a disused Methodist chapel converted into a new community cafe, shop and resource centre. The work has been undertaken by a dedicated and enthusiastic team of volunteers, with specialist contractors brought in where required. MOA assisted with obtaining Building Regulations for the works, which included a new kitchen and new accessible toilet facilities, and also assisted with establishing health and safety procedures. MOA also provided assistance in developing the catering retail/food service area details.