Moor Imagination Collective

The Netshift project through Libraries Unlimited helped James Lucas and his colleagues during their ambitious creation of the Moor Imagination Collective in Buckfastleigh.  

A Community Interest Company created in 2022, Moor Imagination has redeveloped the former Methodist Church in Buckfastleigh into a vibrant community hub. There's an organic, plant-based café, rooms to rent, a town archive, and a programme of education, arts and wellness events, all in a supportive and inclusive space. 

James and his colleagues were awarded National Lottery funding for the project which took two years. The group had a clear sustainability goal throughout their work on the Grade II listed building.  

Their work was given a boost when James spotted an email sent from the Business and IP Centre (BIPC) at Libraries Unlimited, offering free places on its NetShift course. 

"From the get-go with this initiative we were determined to make the building as sustainable as possible. NetShift was offering a free consultation and report on sustainability, which we thought would be perfect for us to see if we'd thought of everything we could." 

The Netshift Decarbonisation Programme is government-funded and run through Libraries Unlimited for businesses in rural areas of Devon. James and his Moor Imagination colleagues received a visit from a specialist consultant and a follow-up report with clear, actionable recommendations to reduce the carbon footprint as the project was developing.  

"It definitely showed us we were on the right track which was really helpful. Powering the building has always been a challenge as we're not allowed solar panels on a heritage site. This report drilled down into the detail on heating options, and it was good to be able to talk to someone who had significant experience in this area. 

"We wouldn't have been able to take up the offer unless it was free, and we're really grateful for that. I would recommend it to any other businesses, however far they are through their plans. The Netshift consultant will either help them get started or, as they did with us, confirm we're doing all we can to reach these important goals."