New charity and retail space to open in 2025

The Community Sports Foundation is excited to announce that construction is underway for a new charity and retail space at their community hub, The Nest, in Horsford. Set to enhance both the visitor experience and the Foundation’s commitment to sustainability, the space will create more opportunities for the community to benefit from the Foundation’s work.  

Accessible from the main entrance, the space will operate akin to a charity shop, offering second-hand sports gear and equipment at affordable prices. By doing so the aim is to reduce waste and help remove financial barriers, ensuring that sport remains accessible to everyone.  

The addition of this space represents an exciting new chapter for The Nest and embeds the site as a central hub for sport, community activities, and charitable initiatives in Norfolk. It will also create further pathways into employment by offering valuable volunteering opportunities in which individuals can gain work experience and develop new skills. 

Alongside the second-hand initiative the space will sell Joma branded Run Norwich and Foundation kit. Proceeds from all sales will go directly towards supporting the Foundation’s charitable programmes, helping to drive vital funds for their ongoing work.  

Jackie Thornton, Director of Strategy and Development, said:

“This new retail space represents an exciting step forward for the Foundation’s sustainability efforts and our mission to make sport accessible for all. By offering second-hand sportswear and equipment, we can ensure everyone can access and enjoy sport at an affordable price. And with a range of volunteering roles on offer, the space will also help individuals build skills and confidence on their journey either into or back to work.” 

Design and construction of the space continues under the guidance of key partners integral to The Nest since its inception; Richard Utting Associates, Chaplin Farrant and Ovamill. Set to be completed by early next year, with an official opening planned soon after.