About Swans Trust
Swans Trust is Shaftesbury’s Development Trust set up in 1997 to promote and develop the community and facilities of Shaftesbury.
The Trust is a non-profit making charity and the Trustees are all local people who volunteer their time and skills to work in partnership with the local authorities and other community groups for the benefit of the community.
The Trust works with other organisations in the town, including a publication on the history of the town called Shaftesbury 'a town of slopes and views'. Profits from sale help to support projects supported by the Trust. Please email the office for details.
The Trust also supports local community projects and to find out more please go to Projects page
The Trust is a non-profit making charity and the Trustees are all local people who volunteer their time and skills to work in partnership with the local authorities and other community groups for the benefit of the community.
The Trust works with other organisations in the town, including a publication on the history of the town called Shaftesbury 'a town of slopes and views'. Profits from sale help to support projects supported by the Trust. Please email the office for details.
The Trust also supports local community projects and to find out more please go to Projects page
Swans Yard
Named after a noted coaching inn that once stood on the site, it was an electricity substation and depot until 1996. Signpost Housing Association bought the site in 1999 and developed it in partnership with Swans Trust to provide 13 badly needed affordable homes, as well as the 5 retail units and a pedestrian link way between the High Street and Bell Street. Swans Trust took a 190 year lease in 2001 on the access and ground floor units to develop them as a craft centre, café and community office.
The Yard is Swans Trust’s major ongoing project. The retail units are used primarily for small and startup businesses with a creative aspect, giving small traders a chance to get established with plenty of support and in a community atmosphere. Several businesses have successfully flown the nest and expanded to prime locations in Shaftesbury, Salisbury and Bath.
Swans Yard is now an established, vibrant and attractive part of Shaftesbury town, with many Open Days and events throughout the year – but we are always seeking to further develop its art and craft emphasis. To find out more visit Swans Yard.
The Yard is Swans Trust’s major ongoing project. The retail units are used primarily for small and startup businesses with a creative aspect, giving small traders a chance to get established with plenty of support and in a community atmosphere. Several businesses have successfully flown the nest and expanded to prime locations in Shaftesbury, Salisbury and Bath.
Swans Yard is now an established, vibrant and attractive part of Shaftesbury town, with many Open Days and events throughout the year – but we are always seeking to further develop its art and craft emphasis. To find out more visit Swans Yard.
The Swan over the ArchwayThe entrance to the yard is framed by a large decorative metal archway with a flying swan suspended from its apex. Designed and built by local craftsmen, DaveTomlin and Andrew du Mont, the arch was put up by volunteers and opened in December 2003 by Lord Whitty.
Funding came from: Age Concern, The Town Council, Trinity Trust and public donations |
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