A new ‘library of things’ has opened in Jaywick thanks to the transformation of an unused unit at Jaywick Enterprise Centre.

The Share Shack will offer residents the opportunity to borrow sports equipment, games, and household and gardening tools for up to two weeks without cost. This will allow the local community to engage in sports and activities, as well as improve their homes, sustainably and free of charge.

The new Share Shack has been made possible thanks to Spencer Group, a national engineering contractor, who completely transformed the old unit as part of their social commitment to local communities.

Sylvia Gentleman, Head of Community Delivery & Development (South East) at The Activity Wellbeing Society, said: “We are really pleased to be bringing our Share Shack offer to Jaywick residents so that they have access to equipment and opportunities.

We are incredibly grateful to Spencer Group for all of their hard work – the place looks unrecognisable!”

Along with their time and expertise, Spencer Group also hired a local labourer from Jaywick, Bradley, to work on the renovation – and have since offered him a permanent role at the company.

Tony Whyte, Senior Project Manager at Spencer Engineering, said: “It was a real pleasure working alongside The Active Wellbeing Society to refurbish the Jaywick community Share Shack. Giving back to the communities we work in is central to Spencer Group’s values and it’s been wonderful to see this project come together.”

“A huge thank you to Damian, Bradley, Bev, and the TAWS team for their hard work getting the shack ready for its grand opening. This new space will be a real asset to the community, and we’re extremely proud to have helped bring it to life.”

Our new Share Shack can be be found at the garage set back next to Unit 8, Jaywick Enterprise Centre, Lotus Way, CO15 2LU. For more information about timetables and to access the share shack inventory, please contact the Share Shack team at shareshack@theaws.org