There’s been a dramatic development in the future of Bordon Men’s Shed as their frustrating two-year search for a new home is coming to a close.

The stage is set for a move to Station Road as they’ve been offered a place at The Phoenix Theatre and Arts Centre.

A plot will become available for the shed – the outfit has been homeless since being forced to leave their former workshop at Prince Philip Park - once two shipping containers are removed. 

The plan is to replace them with two or three convertible containers, with a £25,000 EHDC grant covering the purchase and foundations, with members chipping in £50 apiece to meet the cost of a planning application.

A www.gofundme.com campaign to raise £2,000 has also been launched to cover the utility installation costs while solar panels are also on the wishlist. More than £500 has already been donated but organiser Clive Handy claims you can’t put a price on the service the Men’s Shed provides.

He said: “The Phoenix Theatre have been great and they’re giving us a lot, so we’ve just got to get planning permission now.”

Men’s sheds are places were people can meet and socialise while doing typical shed “stuff” like woodwork. They’re all about connection, conversation and creation, providing a comfortable and sociable place for someone who is typically feeling lonely and displaced, but wants to learn skills.

The Northern Gateway site was also considered, but the shed may have to become part of a larger co-operative.