St Andrew’s Opportunity Shop at the Somerville has reopened after it was upgraded to a newer, larger building, giving volunteers more space to display donated goods and making it easier for customers to browse.
The move follows ongoing space constraints at the previous shopfront, where staff often could not put out the volume and variety of donations being received. A bequest left to the parish helped fund the upgrade, with the larger shop building delivered in late September and fitted out in the lead-up to opening.
The Op Shop continues to operate from the same location, only now from a newer and larger portable building.
Official opening marked with community celebration
The new premises was officially opened on 9 December by Rev Chris Lynch, vicar of St Andrew’s, Somerville. The milestone was followed by a Christmas lunch for staff and volunteers, attended by ward councillor Kate Roper.
Speaking to STPL News, Cr Kate Roper said the volunteer-run shop played an important local role.
“The St Andrew’s Op Shop contributes to our local community through the sale of donated items.”
“It’s wonderful to see the Op Shop expand into a larger space, with volunteers giving their time to raise money for the community.”
Volunteers say the larger footprint and more open layout will allow a greater range of items to be displayed at any one time, improving the overall shopping experience and helping more donated goods find a new home.
Local support helps fit out the new space
The upgrade has also been supported through local generosity, with extra clothing racks and shelving donated after a local women’s clothing store closed.
The Op Shop is staffed by volunteers and supported by a small team who sort donated items behind the scenes. It is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons, as well as Friday and Saturday morning.
With stock changing regularly, locals are encouraged to drop in for a browse.
