Community Sensory Hub and Cafe

The Sensory Hub is a community space, innovated in association with: • Local Interior Designer, Graeme Fuller; • Architects and Project Managers from Robertson Homes; • Graphic Designers from East Durham College, and informed by, • Durham Youth Council Representatives and • Educational specialists from East Durham College, who have helped us to focus on the development and redesign of the high street to help boost the local economy. The Hub is situated on the High Street in a former disused, multi-room council building and has been strategically designed to cater to everyone within the community. We plan to offer: • Café with buggy/wheelchair park and children’s play area; • Sensory rooms for people with a variety of needs; • Activity sessions including fitness classes, knitting and natter sessions, senior choir, mother and baby groups (to name but a few), and • Accessible toilet facilities for all. The aim of the Sensory Hub is to reimagine the local High Street, bringing a sense of community and an increased footfall back into our towns. On a recent visit with school, we were surprised by the lack of people visible on the local Stanley high street, as well as the negativity and dismay shown by business owners and the public alike, who would like to see some investment and care, employment opportunities and a general sense of community, support and love returned to their town. People want to see a vibrant and thriving community again and we feel that the Sensory Hub is the solution to bringing everyone back together again in celebration of our high streets! Don't forget to visit ‘The Sensory Hub’ stall in Beamish Museum on 21st May 2025 and support your local high street. By clicking on our QR code you will be able to let us know that you want us to reimagine your local town too!!