Six newly refurbished benches have been installed in The Square, Shrewsbury, as part of a collaborative project between Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury BID and Shropshire Council – demonstrating the power of community-led improvements in enhancing public spaces. Shrewsbury BID and Shropshire Council provided initial finding for Shrewsbury Men’s Shed to purchase the equipment required to refurbish items of street furniture, with Shrewsbury Town Council now partnering with the Men’s Shed on an ongoing basis. The most recent project was to refurbish the benches and bins that were located around The Square.
The benches, previously worn and tired, have been carefully refurbished by members of Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, a community group providing space for men to meet, share skills and work on meaningful local projects. The cost of materials has been covered by Shrewsbury Town Council, Shrewsbury BID and Shropshire Council.
This initiative links in with the work of Shrewsbury Town Council’s Stepping Up Team, which focuses on tackling areas of the town in need of improvement – from seating to planting and general maintenance.
Rob Wilson, Leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said:
This kind of project really shows the power of local partnerships. The refurbished benches are a fantastic addition to The Square and a great example of how we can refresh and reuse rather than replace. It also complements the work being done by our Stepping Up Team around the town – making spaces more welcoming, accessible and cared for. Lots of people appreciate the seating in the town centre, and it’s brilliant to see it improved in such a sustainable way.
In addition to the bench project, Shrewsbury Men’s Shed has also begun a rolling programme of restoring litter bins across the town. This long-term effort is expected to save thousands of pounds of public money compared to the cost of buying new bins and supports a more sustainable approach to town maintenance.
Seb Slater, Executive Director of Shrewsbury BID, said:
We’re really pleased to support this kind of positive, practical work in the town centre. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed is making a real difference by enhancing the public realm with high-quality, community-driven improvements. This project shows how local organisations can work together to improve the town for everyone.
Simon Rouse, Chairman of Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, said:
We’re proud to have been able to support the local community with this project. Restoring the benches has given our members a meaningful way to contribute their skills and energy to the town. It’s fantastic to see the results in place and being appreciated by the public.
The installation of the benches comes after a standout year for the group, who were awarded UK Men’s Shed of the Year in November 2024. Shrewsbury Men’s Shed, based in the town centre, offers a supportive space for men to build friendships, learn new skills, and give back to the community through hands-on projects.
Shrewsbury Men’s Shed was incorporated as a stop on the Shrewsbury in Bloom judging tour last month, when the town competed in the Britain in Bloom UK Finals.
