The Forest Upcycling Project has leased two units on Station Yard Industrial Estate in Chepstow.

The units total 5,439 sq ft and comprise industrial space and office accommodation, and will be used by the charity to up-cycle (refurbish) donated household furniture for sale and as a showroom.

Since opening for business two years ago in the Forest of Dean, the charity has provided training opportunities for young people and those with disabilities who benefit from learning different trades from skilled volunteers and employees.

More than 100 tonnes of furniture and household items have been saved from landfill and the refurbished goods are sold at affordable prices and attract customers from across the region.

Due to the charity’s success to date and demand from customers, the directors of The Forest Upcycling Project have leased the Chepstow units to expand the geographical area it covers and provide training opportunities and a range of affordable household items including sofas, dining tables and chairs and white goods.

Before opening the Chepstow premises, the charity has refurbished the buildings to create a workshop, salesroom and training areas.

Matthew Jones, director of The Forest Upcycling Project, said: “We already had a number of clients visiting our Forest of Dean showrooms from Chepstow, so we knew there was a demand for our services here.

“Monmouthshire Upcycle opened its doors on April 30. The new branch of the Forest Upcycling Project charity will continue to help more people in the local community by collecting and selling donated furniture at very low prices.

"The charity works with people who would otherwise struggle to find employment, including those that have learning disabilities, depression and historic addictions. The units on Station Yard Industrial Estate are ideal as they are easily accessible via public transport which is important for our trainees and the building themselves are suitable for the uses we require.”

Lauren Patterson, property assistant, of M4 Property Consultants, acted on behalf of the landlord of the units.

She said: “Chepstow remains a busy market for commercial property and the versatility of the Station Yard units proved very popular due to their size, location and shared yard. We are also receiving strong demand for other properties we are currently marketing in the area.”