UNITY, Up The Garden Bath’s collaborative retail project at Queensgate Shopping Centre, is celebrating three major milestones this month

An “inspiring” Peterborough store has signed a new deal to stay trading for three more years in the city - as its founders get set to launch a £250,000 crowdfunder to cement its future.

The news that UNITY will keep its doors open for three more years has left 50 Cambridgeshire creatives feeling “ecstatic” for their small businesses.

The announcement perfectly aligns with the retail project turning one on November 16.

In just one year, the store has gone on to raise almost £400,000 which has gone back into the pockets of local businesses and eco-projects in Peterborough.

Despite their strong retail success story, co-founders Dave Poulton and Kez Hayes-Palmer have decided to launch a £250,000 crowdfunder to help them deliver on their large-scale city projects.

The funding campaign will be led by Up The Garden Bath - UNITY’s collaborative parent organisation.

The campaign, prompted by the autumn budget, is rewards-based, ensuring supporters receive something tangible in return for their contribution.

Co-founder Kez Hayes-Palmer said: “Being able to continue with our special collaborative community project until 2027 is a dream come true. Not only is it an incredible business opportunity but it also helps to gain so much exposure for the incredible creators we have on our doorstep.

“We’ve realised now is the right time, following the autumn budget, to appeal to the amazing people of Peterborough to get behind us and help us to cement our projects we have planned.

“The projects will affect 30,000 Peterborough lives, educate future generations and clean-up neglected spaces, making the city a better place to live. Because of unforeseen cost implications, we now need your support when our campaign goes live on November 18.”

The team has so-far installed 74 upcycled bathtub planters into schools, community centres and residential care homes across Cambridgeshire.

They also support social justice schemes - offering free crafting and fun workshops for everyone - including digital upskilling courses for the over 60’s and unemployed.

Queensgate Shopping Centre bosses have been eager to see UNITY’s groundbreaking project continue making waves with local shoppers and secured its future with a three year extension.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate Up The Garden Bath’s first anniversary with us here at Queensgate," says Verity Swinsoe-Wigmore, marketing and events co-ordinator at Queensgate Shopping Centre.

"Their commitment to sustainability and community engagement has brought such a unique and inspiring presence to our space. We look forward to seeing how they continue to enrich our community.”

Alaina Davies, of Alaina Creates, sells quirky prints and has built up a new following of regular customers through the brick-and-mortar store.

She said:  “Selling my products in the UNITY store this past year has been monumental to the growth of my small business.

“The exposure of having my items in a busy shopping centre has allowed me to branch out with different products, experiment with branding and reach a whole new local clientele.

“As you can imagine, I'm absolutely ecstatic to find out that the UNITY store will remain for three more years.”

Meanwhile Phillipa Phillips, who repurposes textiles through Nine Lives Crafts, added: “UNITY is the vibrant heart of the city, with like-minded artists and crafters creating a unique atmosphere.

“For me, being a part of this exciting story and community is simply the best.”