The charity had been working towards buying the former Loves Garage site as part of its £1 million A Gift for Forever appeal, which aims to secure a permanent base and long-term future for its work supporting children living in poverty across Cheshire West & Chester and Flintshire.

Despite significant progress with community fundraising and advancing to the final stages with funders and mortgage providers - the Loves Garage site is to be unexpectedly sold to another buyer.

Dee Denton, CEO of KidsBank Chester, said:

“We are heartbroken by what’s happened. We were within touching distance of raising the funds needed to purchase this site, and with it secure the charity’s long term future. This was only possible because of the incredible generosity of our community.

“While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, our focus is on making sure our services remain uninterrupted so we can continue supporting families in the best way possible. Our families will always come first.”

Since launching in 2019, KidsBank has gifted more than 475,000 essential items to children in need, with demand continuing to rise each year.

The charity says the strength of community support has placed it in a position to respond quickly and move forward.

“Because of the support we’ve received, we are in a position to navigate this challenge,” Dee added.

“Our community has already shown their generosity, helping us get so close to securing our future. We know it’s that same support that will help us find a new home and continue to be there for families who need us.”

KidsBank is now working at pace to secure new rented premises to ensure continuity of its services, while continuing its search for a suitable long-term home.

The charity is calling on the local community, businesses and property owners to come forward with potential opportunities.

“We are actively looking for new premises and would be incredibly grateful for any support - whether that’s helping us identify a suitable site, fundraising, or donating to support our work,” Dee said.

“This next chapter for KidsBank is already beginning, and we’ll continue to share updates with our community as we move forward.”

The A Gift for Forever appeal will continue, with funds supporting both the charity’s immediate work and its long-term ambition to secure a permanent home.