A disused building could be brought back to life thanks to a business woman’s new venture.

Holly Baker, who runs the sustainable pop-up market in Cockermouth once a month, has set her sights on the empty Grand Theatre on Station Road.

She is now working to clear the final hurdles for the move but hopes to be up and running by the end of November.

Speaking about her ambitious plans, she said: “There will be different spaces for Goodness and Grain, a wellness ‘pop up’ hub and small café promoting healthy plant-based eating, a space for markets, workshops and yoga classes.”

She thinks she has found the ideal premises for a Goodness and Grain refill shop and hub at the former theatre, pending fire regulation tests, and wants to encourage the community to engage with sustainable alternatives to retail, food, health and lifestyle.

“We also want the space to be somewhere for parents and children to learn more about sustainable living and to relax in a community-driven atmosphere,” Holly added.

Holly sent out a message asking if there are any business start-ups offering alternative solutions and that are sustainable, and got a good response from five others who also want to focus on sustainability and ethically minded products.

She said: “I really want it to be a space for people, there will be a little cafe in there so mums can bring their children, a chalk board on the wall and markets and there will be space to rent.”

Initially the market will open four times a week, three full days and a Saturday and might even have a refill night, for people that can’t make it during the day.

Over the next couple of months the three front units will be filled with a refill shop, hub with cafe, yoga and third unit with workshops.

Holly has sent out an appeal on the Goodness and Grain Facebook page for paint, furnishings, cutlery, chalkboards, chairs, shelving, or time to spare to volunteer to get the space ready.

It is all being done as a pop-up, with the area decorated in hessian and reclaimed pallets. Natalie Lindon will work in collaboration with her in the cafe.

There will be opportunities to rent a studio space or shelves within the pop up refill shop to showcase local producers/makers wares. There will also be opportunities to rent the space for demonstrations, workshops, classes and markets too.

Holly said they intend to crowdfund a small amount to help cover the initial set up costs and hope to open before Christmas. She said she: “Looks forward to welcoming people into a dynamic, sustainably driven and evolving space.”