Patch marks three years of powering up Twickenham enterprise

A workspace and community hub in the heart of Twickenham town centre is celebrating its third birthday this September.

Patch has helped bring new life to the former Art Deco Electricity Board building on York Street since opening in 2023, turning a landmark town centre building into a neighbourhood space for work, culture and community.

It now has nearly 400 members, has supported 600 businesses, and has 100 per cent private office occupancy.

Richmond Council supported the development of the workspace through funding from the Strategic Investment Pot, helping to deliver on a commitment to provide affordable shared workspace in the town, create jobs and support the continued growth of the local economy.

Councillor Phil Giesler, Lead Member for Business and Growth, said: “Patch has become a real asset for Twickenham during the past three years, giving our entrepreneurs, freelancers, hybrid workers and small businesses an affordable, flexible and welcoming place to work close to home.

“It is also a great example of the kind of project the council’s Growth Plan is designed to support - one that helps build a stronger enterprise economy by giving start-ups and growing businesses the space, networks and confidence they need to thrive.

“Patch brings people together, reduces the need for long commutes and strengthens the local high street.

“It is brilliant to see Patch continue to grow as part of Twickenham’s wider offer, and I congratulate everyone involved on reaching this milestone.”

Freddie Fforde, the founder of the Patch affordable workspace, added: “Every time I come to Patch, I'm bowled over by the range and quality of activities and businesses building a home on their high street.

“It is thanks both to our exceptionally dedicated team, and to the vision and effort of Richmond Borough Council, that we see such a thriving community asset today.

“We expect to be here celebrating many birthdays to come with our community of members and friends - thank you all for believing in us.”

Patch offers coworking, private offices, dedicated desks, meeting rooms and event spaces - which host networking events for the new Richmond Business Growth Partnership - alongside a programme of community and cultural events including talks, workshops, networking sessions and creative activities.

Its public ground-floor space, café, events studio and podcast studio have helped make it a welcoming venue for residents and visitors, not just those using the workspace.

Additionally, Patch hosts the Twickenham Library of Things, a place where residents can save money by borrowing useful household items like carpet cleaners and drills. More than 1,000 people have now signed up to the service and almost 2,000 items have been borrowed.  

To mark the anniversary, Patch hosted a third birthday celebration on Friday 11 September, bringing together members, local businesses, partners, creatives and residents for an evening of live entertainment, networking and celebration.