Woolfson & Tay bookshop and gallery to open at Bermondsey Square

Independent bookshop Woolfson & Tay will open in the commercial space between Sainsbury's and Del'Aziz. The space is currently being used as a pop-up shop for Druid Cycles selling refurbished second-hand bikes.

Owners Shivaun Woolfson and Frances Tay want to create a space that will promote community spirit, creative expression and learning.

"Our vision is to have a dynamic, thriving intellectual and spiritual space where we can run projects and workshops," said Shivaun.

The bookshop will feature a general selection of books, with a focus on biographies, autobiographies and history, along with a strong selection of international literature, and they are encouraging people to tell them what they'd like to see, read or experience at the store.

"For us it's much more than just being booksellers and making a profit," said Shivaun. "It's more about having a creative space for our vision in tandem with what the community want."

The plans include a gallery space to exhibit local art and projects from Living Imprint, the charity that Shivaun and Frances founded which gives individuals and groups the opportunity to tell their stories through photography, audio visual, performance and visual arts.

"It'll be a mix of projects that we want to highlight from the wider world and also a showcase for local projects," said Shivaun.

They would also like to employ a local to help manage the store. "There's a strong sense of community here so we're looking for someone from the area and would love to hear from anyone who has relevant experience," said Shivaun.

• Follow the development of the shop at www.woolfsonandtay.com