Gurgling watering cans, whistling birdboxes and walls that change colour are not the usual features of a charity shop.

But the GreenHouse prides itself on being different.

Set up by the Worthing-based charity Guild Care, it not only generates funds but also aims to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and the environment.

Even the building itself is recycled as the 10,000sqft site where it stands was once a rubbish tip.

It was transformed with the help of the international design company Bobo Design.

Guild Care's Vanessa Mills said: "It was a real mess. It was dark and gloomy and we knew it was going to take an awful lot of work to get it right.

"We got a lot of help with the design because we really wanted something different."

After months of hard work, the GreenHouse, in Meadow Road, Worthing, has now opened its doors.

When visitors walk in they find themselves in a large, airy room with lots of light and space.

Three-dimensional clouds hang from the ceiling and at first the walls appear very pale blue but turn a different shade as the light changes throughout the day.

A huge mural pictures the green South Downs, a hint of blue sea and has Worthing itself nestling in the middle.

The distinctive Arundel Cathedral and Lancing College also make an appearance.

Mrs Mills said: "We wanted to give an impression of space and airiness and have an environmental theme throughout and we have managed to get that.

"As well as things to buy it is a great place to just have a look around.

"We want people to keep coming back and if we can add more variety and change they will."

The GreenHouse sells goods such as dining tables, wardrobes chairs, beds, chests, fridges, freezers, garden furniture, lights, washing machines, electrical gadgets and a wide range of smaller items.

All are second hand but there are workshops on site to make sure each piece of furniture is restored and refurbished to bring it up to the best standard possible.

There are also recycled goods such as notebooks, rulers and wrapping paper on offer.

The shop also runs a green electric van, which produces no fumes, to collect and deliver goods.

Workshops will train disadvantaged people in skills such as furniture restoration and creative decorative effects.

Schools, groups and organisations are encouraged to visit for talks and workshops as well.

The GreenHouse, in Meadow is being funded via a lottery grant of £300,000, which will be paid out over three years.

For more details, call 01903 205302 or log on to www.green-house.org.uk
June 23, 2005