Watford café eyes expansion as fundraiser launched

Random Café in Watford has launched a crowdfunding appeal to add a second building next to its Garsmouth Way site; organisers say a council grant has paid for the basic structure but about £6,000 remains to be raised.

Random Café in Watford has launched a crowdfunding appeal to add a second building beside its site on Garsmouth Way. The café began as a pop-up in community centres in 2017 and later moved from a portable building into a purpose-built facility. Organisers report that a local council grant has funded the basic structure and that construction is already underway. They say around £6,000 is still needed to complete the project and open the space. What is known: - Random Café launched a crowd funder to install a second building next to the café on Garsmouth Way. - The new space would be open six days a week and serve as a "dedicated community space." - The organisation started as a pop-up in 2017 and moved into a purpose-built facility after operating from a portable building. - Random Café collects surplus food and non-food items from local supermarkets and organisations, using some in the café and the rest in a pay-as-you-feel shop. - The volunteer-led charity also recycles wood and materials into craft items and grows fruit and vegetables for use and sale to raise funds. - Organisers say they secured a grant from the local council to get the build started, but report they still need about £6,000 to cover remaining costs. Summary: The planned additional building is intended to provide a dedicated community space and extend the café's services and activities. Organisers say construction is underway and that they need to raise about £6,000 to finish the project.