MORE than 80 arts and crafts businesses will be housed under one roof when an 'indoor shopping village' opens in Christchurch.

The Christchurch Emporium, at the former Mostyns Factory in Bridge Street, will bring together a range of items not found by big brand chains and shops.

Opening on April 18, the new scheme, founded by Simon and Lesley-Ann Simmonds, will be set-up in a village fete style arrangement.

Director and co-founder, Lesley-Ann said the inspiration behind the unique idea came from craft and antique fairs around the UK.

“Craft and antique fairs have a variety of inspiring and creative exhibitors and are very successful.

"We’ve gone one stage further, by giving these small businesses the exposure of a regular sales area to help them really expand their sales, freeing up their time, as we do the selling for them."

She said more than 80 individual small businesses will be based there including pottery, glassware, stained glass, quilting, needlework, knitting, wood carving/working, cabinet making and vintage and antique sellers.

It will also house new products including hampers and log baskets, frames and children's toys and crafts, used and all types of up-cycled products and furniture, animal products and homemade foods.

“We are hunting out original items from the best creative small businesses in Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire and bringing them together in one place, making it easy for people to browse, shop and buy direct from small business owners", Lesley-Ann added.

The pair hope the new venture will encourage more footfall into Christchurch, while supporting small businesses.

Customers will buy directly from the artists, designers and curators who make up the majority of the collection of sellers.

And the building will be divided into streets for different sellers and traders including Antiques Walkway, Vintage Road, New Street, Artists Alley and Paws Place.

And charity, Macmillan Caring Locally, which supports the unit at Christchurch Hospital, are also opening their first retail shop.

Artist Paul Doleman will be a resident artist, offering classes for children and adults as well.

The Emporium will be open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm and Sundays from 11am until 4pm.