A new community DIY shop is opening in Frome next week, helping people save money on building and DIY materials while preventing good-quality supplies from going to waste.
Fromebase, created by local non-profit Edventure, will sell new and unused surplus DIY and building materials, often at prices up to 60% lower than the recommended retail price.
Items in the shop include paint, timber, tiles, fixings, screws and other useful supplies. New stock will be regularly arriving and local people can find a range of rotating treasures to take home.
Co-Director of Edventure, Sam Evans, said, “Construction waste is one of the largest sources of waste in the UK, and Fromebase helps keep new and useful materials in circulation instead of being thrown away.
“When you shop at Fromebase, you’re also supporting Frome. Every purchase helps fund things like DIY workshops and repair cafés, while keeping good materials in use. It’s a simple idea that benefits everyone.”
Fromebase is based at the Edventure Hub on Park Hill Drive in Frome (BA11 2LE).
The shop will open this Monday, 13th April, and will be open on Mondays from 1pm to 5pm and Thursdays from 9am to 5pm, with additional weekday visits available by appointment. Opening hours are expected to expand as the project grows and a new project manager joins the team.
The idea for Fromebase was first developed by a group of local people taking part in Edventure’s Incubation course that supports residents to develop social enterprise ideas. During the course, participants worked together to test the concept and launch an early pilot version of the shop.
Lead Facilitator at Edventure, Colin Atkinson, who led the team of locals to develop the first iteration of the project, said, “It’s exciting to see an idea incubated through our community learning course turn into a real shop and we appreciate Somerset Council’s ongoing funding of our community activation work.”
The project was inspired by Rebuild Carlisle, a community project that rescues surplus building materials from construction sites and puts them back into use.
Frome Town Council and FRECO have supported Edventure with funding to help launch the shop.
Local people are invited to visit, donate materials and get involved. The space is available to hire for small workshops. Edventure is welcoming contractors, work-shop facilitators and volunteers who would like to support the project or share their practical DIY skills.
More information can be found at fromebase.com. For enquiries, call 07943 008029 or email info@fromebase.com
Pictured: The pilot shop team in April 2025
