A major restoration project is nearing succesful completion at Bower Ashton Wood Yard, headquarters of the Forest of Avon Wood Products Co-operative.

The renovated buildings have now been let to members of the co-op as workshops. Seven co-op members are now running succesful woodworking and timber-related businesses from the site. 

Duncan Bonner, Project Co-ordinator, says 'The restoration project has been a resounding success for the co-op. The work has been completed to a very high standard, showcasing the skills, craftsmanship and commitment of our members. Everybody involved is justifiably proud of their echievements.'

With the help of a development loan from Co-operative and Community Finance, the restoration has been completed ahead of the schedule set out in the original lease with the site owners, Bristol City Council.

Having the buildings fully let and the site functioning as a succesful business in its own right guarantees financial stability for the co-operative, as well as providing a first-class working environment for co-op members at affordable rates.

As Duncan says 'This project really does illustrate the benefits of co-operative working on so many different levels. Its win-win for everybody involved - the co-op, the members, the tenants and the City Council'.

The majority of the renovation work was carried out by Alex Phiilips of Phillips Organic Woodworks and Joe Dart of Joseph Dart Carpentry