New Forest District Council has bolstered East Boldre Community Stores Limited with £17,000 in funding to turn East Boldre Baptist Church into a community store.
The new Chapel Stores started operations on February 26, offering locals food shopping, postal and banking services.
Residents also have the benefit of job opportunities, volunteer roles, and a space for community activities and workshops. The shop also plans to encourage sustainable methods of transport and comes equipped with solar panels and recycling facilities.
Cllr Dan Poole, portfolio holder for Communities, Safety, and Wellbeing, said: "It’s fantastic that a new lease of life has been given to the East Boldre Baptist Church, which will now provide not just a local convenience provision for our residents, but a community hub, too.
"We’re excited to see a facility in place that provides so many benefits to our residents in East Boldre."
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