At Patch, we’re excited to announce our partnership with Bobby’s, bringing our community-driven ‘neighbourhood workspace’ to the former Debenhams on Bournemouth Square. This £2 million project is part of our long-term vision to revitalise the former department store and support business growth.
With Bournemouth’s thriving ecosystem of independent businesses, creative energy, and strong sense of community, we identified it as the perfect place to launch a new home for local entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders. As a certified B Corporation, we’re committed to using business as a force for local good.
Opening this autumn 2024, this new destination will offer design-led coworking and office spaces with areas dedicated to community and cultural uses across Bobby’s first floor.
Our workspaces are designed to promote connection across the business community, including tech startups, creative industry businesses, and social-impact organisations. We’re creating a new hub for the South Coast’s startup community, offering a family of boutique offices (for 2-20 people). Additionally, the space includes a generous Coworking Studio overlooking Bournemouth Square and a Residents’ Study with dedicated desks in the building’s most historic wing. When fully occupied, Patch will be home to 20 companies occupying private offices and approximately 500 coworking members.
We’ve carefully crafted the space to create an environment that supports a fantastic workday experience, from focused work to team collaboration. The design combines the building’s original features, including wooden floorboards, ornate pressed metal ceilings, and large arched windows that fill the space with natural light, alongside super-fast wifi, bespoke contemporary furniture, ergonomic chairs, electric standing desks, second screens, focus booths for private work, complimentary bean-to-cup coffee, and plenty of plants.
Freddie Fforde, our Founder and CEO, shared,
"Our aim is to create the best place for startups and small businesses to thrive on the South Coast. As a local landmark, Patch at Bobby’s will serve as an iconic hub for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders, offering fantastic workspaces and a dynamic environment for work, collaboration, and connection.
As a B Corp, we’re committed to being a force for local good, and we're excited for people to come together in our space to support business growth, town centre revitalisation, and community empowerment".
Job creation and access to opportunity are central to our mission. Our workspaces offer increased flexibility, especially beneficial for remote workers, working parents, and individuals with caregiving responsibilities. Currently, 60% of our members are parents, with 4 in 5 falling under the age of 44. Coworking membership starts at £24 a month (excluding VAT). Additionally, we plan to establish partnerships with Bournemouth’s universities and offer scholarships to local students, providing them with access to these spaces.
As a creative hub, Patch will support a network of makers, creatives, and community groups. A 3,800 sq ft public space will feature multi-purpose event spaces, meeting rooms, a podcast studio, and a wellness studio. Whether producing a podcast, recharging in the wellness studio, organising a workshop series, or hosting a pop-up market, the spaces are designed to foster connection, celebrate the South Coast’s creative character, and help people promote their expertise and ideas. Access to the studios and meeting rooms will be bookable by the hour, accommodating individuals and groups organising events ranging from creative writing classes and cinema clubs to sewing workshops and startup summits.
Paloma Strelitz, our Creative Director & Head of Product, says,
"We have a vision for the 'future of work' that supports people in building brilliant careers in their hometowns. This involves creating spaces and opportunities for multi-disciplinary communities. Patch at Bobby’s will be home to tech entrepreneurs, designers, accountants, lawyers, therapists, and life coaches. Whether you have an office for your team, are holding a 1:1 life-coaching session, or hosting a public workshop in our studios, we hope this dynamic ecosystem will create opportunities and enjoyment for everyone".
Patch will be led by a Director with the support of two Community and Events Executives. Their focus will be on building connections across our membership and ensuring that Patch becomes a brilliant new partner in the Bournemouth community.
Ashley Nicholson, Director at Verve Properties and the visionary landlord behind Bobby’s, adds,
"We’re delighted to welcome Patch into Bobby’s. There’s a great synergy between the two organisations who both feel a responsibility to rejuvenate the town by bringing new life into it. We’ve actively encouraged local artists and entrepreneurs into the building from day one because we know how important a thriving cultural and business scene is to Bournemouth’s success. Working with Patch has enabled us to open our doors even wider, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone in".
To join our founding member community and access exclusive offers, visit www.patch.work/locations/bournemouth to register your interest.