A community hub with a café for authors and artists is set to open in Worcester next month.

Script Haven will be city’s second independent bookshop – but the new shop by former Worcestershire Poet Laureate Leena Batchelor is offering more than just books.

Operating from the former House of Coffee on the High Street, Script Haven will also offer a “platform” for authors and artists, unique gifts, a café, second-hand book exchange and community hub.

It is set to open on August 5 at 1.30pm.

After a search for the right place, Leena said she was delighted when she secured 104 High Street.

She said: “I knew I needed an easily accessible premises, but never in my wildest dreams did I dare hope for such an ideal location.

"I also want to ensure that the ethos of using local and the loyal customer base built up by House of Coffee are maintained.

“Tom, who owned House of Coffee, put his heart and soul into the shop, you can feel the love and welcome as soon as you step inside the door.”

Ten years ago Leena stepped into the spoken word scene in Worcester and applied for the Worcestershire Poet Laureate role three years ago.

During a time of pandemic lockdowns, Leena had to find unique ways to get poetry into the lives of people who would not normally engage the genre.

This resulted in a calendar raising funds for the REME Charity, online spoken word events for charities and an exhibition for The Commandery.

There was even a performance piece which was free to schools and youth groups endorsed by the Hollywood Vampires - Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp and Joe Perry.

“Creative, safe, and sociable places like Script Haven are appearing across the country.

“Places where communities and individuals can simply be, places to relax and be immersed in the wellbeing aspects of creativity.

“To also be able to showcase the wealth of local talent, especially those who have supported me over the last few years, is an honour."

The shop will also provide a community hub and “safe space” providing facilities for advice, counselling, education, creative workshops, alongside volunteering opportunities.

Leena hopes to host various spoken word events in support of charities and events, as well as the annual Worcestershire LitFest & Fringe Festival.

Script Haven also offers a scheme supporting UK troops on deployment - believed to be the first of its kind specifically in the UK for UK troops - via its website www.scripthaven.co.uk

To contact Leena and learn more about the shop, or to get involved, email scripthavenltd@gmail.com or visit the website: www.scripthaven.co.uk