A GRANT of more than �16,500 has been awarded to the Luminus Ferry Project to fund the fixtures and fittings in a new cafe and shop at Octavia View in Wisbech.

The funding, which came from homelessness charity CRASH, will help kit out HOPE Social Enterprise’s shop Octavia’s and a new cafe.

Octavia View already includes accommodation for up to 24 homeless people, rooms for hire for local community groups, corporate functions and private events and Octavia’s, a glamorous new shop, with environmentally friendly household items.

Chan Abraham, Ferry Project Chairman, said: “Octavia View has already proved to be an excellent addition to Fenland, providing accommodation, education, retail and facilities for local people as well as preserving and restoring an eighteenth century building.

“This grant will enable Ferry Project and HOPE Social Enterprises to continue to expand the range of experiences and amenities available for local people as well as boosting the local economy.”