FAQs

Visiting and shopping

When are you open?

We are open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 10:00-14:00, and the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month from 09:15-14:00.

Is there parking at PARC?

Yes, there is on-street parking on Werbergh Street. You can park for 40 minutes for free or you can purchase an all-day parking permit voucher from us for 50p. Just ask at the reception desk as you enter.

Are there toilets or a baby change area?

Yes, there are toilets in the Craft Shop area, including a baby change mat.

Is there wheelchair access?

Yes, wheelchair access to PARC is through the big red doors.

How can I join as a member?

Membership is open to individuals (like families, students, artists or anyone who wants to get creative with our resources) and to organisations (like schools, nurseries and colleges) who need to access more trolley loads.

You can join by visiting us in person – our friendly volunteers will be happy to show you around and explain how membership works. You can pay the membership fee by cash or card.

Click here for more about membership and you can also contact us with any questions.

Can I visit PARC without becoming a member?

Yes! Our friendly volunteers will be happy to show you around.

The craft shop (on the left as you enter) is open to anyone with a range of low cost art and craft supplies including fabric, paper, cardmaking and sewing supplies, feathers, glitter and much more.

If you want to try out the Scrapstore but you’re not yet a member you can purchase a small shopping basket of scrap as a guest for £7. Remember that individual membership only costs £10, with your first trolley free, so membership is a much better deal!

The paint shop, offering low-cost reclaimed household paint, is only open to paint scheme members, which costs just £3 as a one-time fee.

Is there a limit to what I can add to my Scrapstore trolley?

We ask that our members use common sense in not over-filling trolleys. Some items are limited in the amount you can add to your trolley, and these are marked with signs.

How often do you add new stock to the Scrapstore?

Upstairs we have a whole warehouse of materials waiting to be added to the Scrapstore and we add new stock as frequently as we can. You can check our social media for updates on new stock that has been added.

Donating and volunteering

Can I volunteer at PARC?

The work of our volunteers is what keeps PARC running, and we’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help in a variety of ways. Contact us to ask about volunteering opportunities at PARC.

Can individuals donate craft supplies or household paint to PARC?

We are happy to receive most craft items. Please contact us and if possible send a picture of the items you’d like to donate.

Unfortunately we can’t accept household paint, but Raynesway household waste recycling centre will take this.

I represent a business, can we donate items to PARC?

Yes, we’re happy to accept donations of usable scrap from local businesses: please note that we are a scrapstore and we repurpose usable items for art and children’s play - we are not a scrapyard or recycling centre for general waste.

Some examples of items you can donate to us include: End of roll fabrics, paper, card and stationery but not ring binders, wool, haberdashery, zips, most craft related items, stage props and costumes, unusual items. If you’re unsure, please contact us or send a photo via email and we’ll be able to confirm quickly.

Some examples of items we can’t accept include: ring binders, electrical items, household waste, garden waste, old clothes (including shoes), quilts or pillows. If you’re unsure, please get in touch or send a photo via email and we’ll be able to confirm quickly.

Please contact us to enquire about how to donate.