The brilliant family shopping destination near the town centre you may not know about

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3 hours ago

Just minutes outside of the heart of the town centre is a complex, which can only really be described a real treasure trove with a garden centre, shop and an amazing place to eat, writes Leah Collins
And your enjoyment helps Bolton's homeless population too.
Emmaus Bolton, has been at the site for 20 years, and since then the complex has grown - with proceeds helping the most in need.
Emmaus in Bolton. (Image: Leah Collins) It's also the perfect day out for those looking for a unique family outing this summer. Located on Fletcher Street minutes from Bolton town centre, the site boasts a café, ice cream parlour, clothing and furniture store, garden centre with up to 72 varieties of plants, pantry and a recycling plant.
Emmaus sells everything - from dining tables to children's toys. (Image: Leah Collins) Visiting the complex for the first time, I was pleasantly surprised.
There is enough to do here which could easily take an entire afternoon and all prices a were much more than reasonable.
It was almost like a superstore.
Emmaus, which opened in 2005, also sells an array of toys, local art pieces, textiles, books and even vinyl records, making it the perfect spot for a family day out.
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Last month, Emmaus was joined by BBC radio presenter, author and the nation's favourite quizmaster, Jay Flynn MBE, at the 20th Anniversary Spring Fair, who is an ambassador for the charity.
The on-site volunteers, who meet at the recycling centre each week, turn donated materials into new items such as bucket hats and clothing.
Clothing made from re-purposed material. (Image: Leah Collins) Made to measure furniture is also available at Emmaus' workshops.
The team regularly makes benches, picnic tables and planters as well as shelves, book shelves, plate racks, tables and much more to exact specifications using ecologically-sourced wood.
The on-site ice cream parlour sells freshly-made local ice cream from Mrs Dowsons. (Image: Leah Collins) As well as volunteers, around twenty 'companions' also live on the site. The companions are individuals experiencing homelessness who find a home and help within the Emmaus Bolton community.
There are no rules about how long someone may stay at Emmaus, provided they abide by the principles of Emmaus and the spirit of the community.
Keith has been at Emmaus for around 3 years. (Image: Leah Collins) Among these is Keith, who has been at Emmaus for around three years.
Speaking to The Bolton News he said: 'My time at Emmaus has been extremely beneficial, I was able to receive peer-to-peer support.
'I'm not fortunately in a position to move from the site, I'm hoping to get into the property industry. I'll always be thankful for my time here and will be coming back to visit in the future.'
A range of books, records and clothing is also available to buy. (Image: Leah Collins)
The pantry at Emmaus currently feeds around 400 people and relies on food donations from various organisations around the borough.
The pantry is run by volunteers Joan Blundson and Jackie Emmett.
Speaking to the Bolton News Jackie said: 'I've been volunteering here for around 18 months, it feels rewarding to be giving back to the wider Bolton community.
Joan Blundson and Jackie Emmett volunteer in Lucie's Pantry. (Image: Leah Collins) 'You meet many people from all walks of life here, it's also the perfect place to pop in for a brew and a chat, or for a family day out as there's always events on.'
Emmaus Bolton CEO Tony Stephenson said: 'We offer a wonderful range of services here at Emmaus and I like to think that there's someone here for everyone.
'The idea is that whilst people are here with us, they get the opportunity to rebuild themselves in a non-judgemental and welcoming environment.'
Emmaus Bolton CEO Tony Stephenson. (Image: Leah Collins)
'Community plays such a huge role in what we do here, so we welcome support from the wider community. So yes – feel free to pop down and see what we're all about!'
For more information on Emmaus visit https://emmaus.org.uk/bolton/