New community repair hub opens in Abingdon

Published 14 January 2026

People in Abingdon and neighbouring villages will benefit from a new community repair hub, Shed Space, which offers a space to refurbish bikes and household items as well as opportunities to make new friends and share skills.

Shed Space, opened at Ride Revolution Headquarters, on Saturday (10 January) with over 50 local people visiting. Visitors got hands-on repairing bikes and shared ideas for skills they’d like to learn, skills they could share and ideas of social activities they would like to see at Shed Space.

Run by Vale of White Horse District Council’s Active Communities team and supported by Abingdon and Witney College, Active Oxfordshire, UKSPF and local bike shop Pedal Power Cycles, Shed Space was opened following community feedback for a place to connect, support mental health, and share skills. The hub welcomes people to repair and make things, work on projects together and support one another, while encouraging sustainability and reducing waste.

Henry, who recently moved to Abingdon said: “I’m here today to meet new people, make friends and hopefully share my talents and skills with others. This sort of project is really helpful because it helps people like me come out of my shell and see what events and people the lovely area has to offer.”

Following its launch, Shed Space will initially operate on a fortnightly basis, with the day to be confirmed soon. Once fully established, the hub will open weekly, offering a programme of events, workshops, and activities.

Councillor Helen Pighills, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s really encouraging to see so many residents come along to the opening of Shed Space and getting involved from day one. This new hub will be a real asset for the community, giving people a place to share skills and connect with others.”

Councillor Robert Clegg, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Climate Action and Nature Recovery at Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see a community hub like Shed Space open in Abingdon. It will bring people together, give residents the chance to learn new skills, and make a real difference for the environment by encouraging repair and reuse.”

People wanting to find out more about Shed Space community repair hub can email the Active Communities team, or visit the Active Communities Facebook page.

Image ALT text:
Councillor Helen Pighills and Councillor Robert Clegg at the Shed Space launch event.
Abingdon resident, Henry, talking to Active Communities team member, Nathan, at the Shed Space launch event.

Notes to editors
The new community repair hub is based at Ride Revolution Headquarters, Ferry Walk, Abingdon, OX14 5HR,