The Beneficial Materials Bank is one of the largest and most successful Scrap Stores within the UK, having a membership in excess of 1,200 schools, colleges, community and voluntary groups accessing its extensive range of donated products.

First opened in 1980 and originally operating from a small corrugated iron warehouse in Southsea the Centre has, thanks to the support of its Members, the Community Fund, the Onyx Environmental Trust and the enthusiasm of its Staff and Volunteers, it has grown to over 10K sq. ft. In response to demand from Members, an Art and Craft shop was opened as well.

The Centre collects up to 10 tonnes of non-toxic surplus materials such as paper, card, fabric and plastics from industry and commerce each week, to be re-used by our Member Groups and thus provide a much needed resource for Members as well as recycling materials.

Within the Centre we have a number of both full and part-time placements/volunteers, all of whom are disadvantaged (can be long term unemployed, learning difficulties, physical disabilities). We are able to provide work experience in warehousing, retail, business administration and reception work, improve their self-confidence and communication skills and thus preventing social isolation.

We have 5 x different categories of membership, dependant upon the size and operation of your organisation, ranging from £38.00 to £350.00 (inc. VAT) for an annual membership.  This is a one off fee paid every year, and entitles you to unlimited access to the Materials Bank and an unlimited quantity of materials (with the exception of a few items where supplies are limited).

If you are interested in becoming a member or would like to visit the Materials Bank and Craft Centre to aid your decision, then please do not hesitate to contact us on the details below.  We can arrange an appointment for your visit and/or send you an information/membership application pack. 

CRAFT SHOP

Come along and see our Craft Shop within the Materials Bank. We stock a variety of different products, such as paints, brushes, dyes, canvases, quilling, toys, scrap booking items and various card making products, amoungst many others. We currently hold stock from Do Craft, Art Straws, Impex, Anker, Oasis, Schola and Royal Brushes.

If you are interested in becoming a member to our Craft Shop, it is only a cost of £2.50 for a lifetime's membership. An application form can be collected from our Reception, to complete, take payment of your membership fee and ready to use on the same day. So why not come along and support a local charity.

BOTH CREDIT AND DEBIT CARD PAYMENTS NOW ACCEPTED.

Check out our News Page for details of our CHRISTMAS CRAFT CHILDREN'S WORKSHOPS.

We now have a Smoothie Bar, so why not check it out on your next visit and see what we have available. Along with fresh fruit smoothies (during the warmer months), we are also selling coffee, cold drinks and confectionary.

OPENING TIMES (as of 7 April 2008)

Mondays & Tuesdays 9.15am to 5.00pm

Wednesdays   9.15am to 6.00pm

Thursdays & Fridays   9.15am to 5.00pm

The Materials Bank and Craft Centre is closed on all public bank holidays and between Christmas and New Year (e.g. closes on 24 December 2008 at 1pm and re-opens on 5 January 2009.)

Garden Maintenance

Do you need your garden attending to? Why not take a look at our Garden Maintenance Service we are now providing. Please click on this link to view the details Beneficial Garden Maintenance.

Last updated on Thursday, 20 November, 2008 2:58 PM