Diss business hub helps rejuvenate former Beales store

A new business hub has officially had its ribbon cut and its doors thrown open by the town’s mayor, with hundreds of interested shoppers in attendance.

No8 Marketplace in Diss became a hive of activity once opened, with people perusing arts and crafts from designermakers21, records sold by Wildflower Records, plants in Shabby Shack Trading and clothing at Take Two.

As well as providing an additional shared operating space for local businesses, No8 Market Place is repurposing an empty unit within the centre of town.

Chairman of Diss Community Team, Alan Franks, described the opening day and Saturday as “very, very busy”.

“People were telling us how good it was that the store was open again,” he said.

“They also commented that everything we had set up inside was fantastic.”

Mr Franks has described the team’s efforts as being part of a wider plan since 2019, attempting to rejuvenate the high street and take a closer look at resolving the problem of empty spaces in Diss.

The team had initially been involved in discussions with administrators and owners of the premises when Beales collapsed. Now, three years later, they have seen their hard work come to fruition.

Mr Franks (pictured) added: “It is hoped that this initiative will bring more people in to the town, and that they will visit some of the lovely independent shops we have, creating a destination to be enjoyed by all.”

It is hoped the less daunting operating costs will encourage new entrepreneurs to take a leap of faith, as well as supporting existing businesses within the town.

Among those to have made their home at No8 Market Place is William Porteous, owner of Wildflower Records, who described the opening as “very encouraging”.

“It was a fantastic opening day,” he said. “To see a queue of people waiting to get in was a bit mad. I’m hoping my transition from Dolphin House will bring a little more joy to Wildflower Records.

“To be part of such a big project in the heart of the town is pretty crazy and I hope people keep coming to support us.”

The new space also offers ice cream and a coffee shop and will provide a new covered area for the town’s market place on a three-month trial basis from this month.

Diss mayor Kieran Murphy said: “It was an incredible honour to open No8, and it is fantastic to see that the community of Diss is so driven to revitalise such a prominent place in the town that had been previously been vacant for a few years.

“Diss Community Team have done an admirable job – it is a wonderful space and I sincerely hope that it will continue to thrive.”