24/08/2026
It’s with very heavy hearts that we make this announcement.
Over the years, we’ve lost some real gems of our community. Independent businesses that brought character, creativity and life to our city have slowly been forced to close their doors, and it’s becoming harder for small businesses to survive.
Rising rents, business rates, increasing employment costs, energy bills, food costs and the ever-growing cost of simply keeping the doors open are putting enormous pressure on independent businesses everywhere.
And now, very sadly, Projects is facing that same reality.
Projects has never just been a café and shop. It has been a collection of people. It has been morning coffees, lunches, birthdays, catch-ups, first dates, difficult conversations, live music, new friendships, local artists and independent makers.
I’ve watched this space change, grow, stumble, learn, evolve and become something far bigger than we could have imagined when we first opened the doors in 2017, I’ve watched customers become regulars, regulars become friends, and our team become family.
And sitting here now, thinking about potentially losing it, I feel incredibly proud, grateful and, honestly, heartbroken.
But this isn't where we want the story to end.
We will do everything we can to give Projects a fighting chance.
We’re working on a fundraising campaign to help us raise the funds we need to keep the doors open.
If Projects has ever meant something to you, we’ll need your help.
Whether that means donating, sharing this post, telling someone about us, coming in for a coffee, buying something from one of our incredible independent makers, or simply reminding us why this place matters — every bit of support will mean something.
We know times are difficult for everyone. We’re not asking anyone to give what they can’t afford.
But if this little corner of Wi******er has ever made you smile, fed you when you were hungry, given you somewhere to sit, introduced you to someone wonderful, inspired you, entertained you, or simply felt a little bit like home...
Please help us fight for it.
With very heavy hearts, but with a huge amount of love,
PROJECTS
