25 Oct 2026
Homelessness charity Emmaus Hertfordshire is preparing to close its charity shop in St Albans city centre after nine months of trading, but is already planning its next chapter with a new central location in the works.
The charity took over the remaining lease of the former Virgin Money bank premises at Lockey House, St Peter’s Street, expecting the arrangement to run until 2027.
However, a longer-term application for the premises by bookmakers Jennings was recently approved, bringing the charity’s short-term tenancy to an end. The shop’s last day of trading will be Saturday (October 31).
Emmaus Hertfordshire has now identified an alternative location for its shop in the centre of St Albans. Further details will be announced once arrangements have been confirmed.
In its final weekend, the charity will hold a closing down sale, with reductions across its eclectic range of restored and upcycled furniture from the Emmaus workshop, as well as clothing, homewares, handicrafts, small electrical items, and vintage finds.
Emmaus Hertfordshire’s business development manager Gemma Beckett said: “While we’re sad to be leaving Lockey House after less than a year of trading, we took on the Virgin Money lease on the understanding that it was a short-term arrangement.
“It enabled us to re-establish our presence in the city centre, 20 months after the closure of our ‘Out of the Emmaus Workshop’ shop, also in St Peter’s Street, which had traded for three years.
“We’ll share news of the location of our new premises very soon, once all the details have been confirmed. We remain committed to our vital work supporting people who have experienced homelessness and are working closely with SADC to ensure our work can continue.”
Gemma added: “A huge thank you to our customers, supporters, volunteers, residents and staff for making our shop such a great success over the past nine months. It’s sad to leave, but we’re very excited to maintain a presence in the city centre with our new shop!”
The new shop will offer the same diverse mix of second-hand, restored and upcycled items, alongside a new range of handmade goods from Emmaus India.
Proceeds from Emmaus Hertfordshire’s shops help fund a home, individual support and meaningful work opportunities for people with experience of homelessness, helping people build the skills and confidence to move towards independent living and a brighter future.
To find out more about Emmaus Hertfordshire’s work, or to support the charity by taking part in this year’s St Albans Sleepout, visit: https://emmaus.org.uk/hertfordshire/st-albans-sleep-out/
Gemma Beckett (centre) with former companion Brandon (left) and companion Lee,
at the St Peters shop opening in January.
