New centre for 100 businesses officially opens in Gloucester
It's enjoyed its fair share of hype in the build up to this moment, but a new business centre which hopes to be home to 100 businesses and host 500 staff is now officially live in Gloucester.
* Welcome to our PR Wire channel where we run the very latest unabridged and unedited press releases from companies connected to Gloucestershire that catch our eye. If you want to see your stories placed here, and featured on our email editions, please contact us and we’ll let you know how it’s done. Email andrew.merrell@raikesjournal.co.uk.
Patch Gloucester has officially opened its doors at The Forum, marking a significant milestone for Gloucester’s flagship city centre regeneration scheme.
Spanning 17,000 sq ft, Patch creates a new destination for work, culture and community activity at the heart of the city.
This is the company’s largest space to date and its first home within a new mixed-use development.
The opening represents a key step forward in delivering The Forum, the £107 million mixed-use project led by Gloucester City Council in partnership with Reef + Partners.
Patch features private offices and coworking studios alongside publicly bookable meeting rooms and event spaces. It’s designed to support a vibrant community of solopreneurs, growing businesses, and creative and community organisations.
Freddie Fforde, founder of Patch, said: “I’m excited to open our largest Patch right in the heart of Gloucester. Being part of this ambitious city project to revitalise an important Gloucester neighbourhood is a real privilege.
“Patch will create meaningful impact by providing a vibrant home for businesses and community groups, attracting fresh talent and driving new opportunities for work and culture across the city.”
The space is already attracting ambitious local businesses and entrepreneurs, drawn by the quality of the environment and the chance to connect with like-minded professionals who are shaping Gloucester’s future.
Cllr Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “We’re delighted to see Patch opening at The Forum – a significant milestone for both this game-changing development and Gloucester’s wider regeneration.
“In opening their flagship office in Gloucester this fast-growing, dynamic company shares our vision and confidence in our city’s future growth.
“Patch will create exciting opportunities for entrepreneurs and community groups, attract fresh talent, and bring even more jobs and activity into the heart of the city.”
The space features a range of light-filled offices for start-ups and SMEs, plus coworking spaces and memberships tailored to different working rhythms.
These include a Focus Studio with second screens and ergonomic chairs for quiet work, as well as a lively members’ lounge for collaboration and networking.
All workspace members also enjoy shared amenities such as private phone booths and generous tea-points with complimentary bean-to-cup coffee.
The look and feel of Patch Gloucester is colourful, creative and energising — a place where productive focus and social connection come together. At its heart is a terracotta-hued members’ lounge and bar, featuring an original textile artwork called Gloucester Patchwork by Stroud-based artist Clemency Calkin.
Prints by local artists Alice Brisland and Marcus Walters add vibrant pops of colour throughout the space. The drinks on offer also have local roots, with beer from Gloucester Brewery and coffee roasted by Ethical Addictions in Staverton.
The meeting rooms and event spaces will host a diverse programme of business, cultural and community activities.
Patch Academy, a flexible events studio, can accommodate everything from large company meetings and panel discussions to yoga sessions. Other meeting rooms celebrate local landmarks, such as the Kingsholm Board Room, named after Gloucester Rugby Club’s home ground.
Additional facilities include a Wellness Lounge for coaching and therapy sessions, and a Content Creation Studio for podcast production. These versatile spaces will host a wide range of events, from board meetings and networking sessions to creative workshops.
Looking ahead, the team is already taking bookings for a series of large-scale industry summits, conferences and festivals, making Patch a dynamic hub for connection and collaboration.
Leading the space is Laura Griffiths, a Gloucester local passionate about creating a supportive, ambitious place full of opportunity. Alongside her team, Clive Bremner and Hettie Gardner, Laura will foster community and connection through regular member lunches and partnerships with local organisations, ensuring Patch becomes a true hub for city life.
Laura Griffiths, director of Patch Gloucester, said: “Patch combines big ambition with local warmth. I’m passionate about creating a space where businesses - from emerging creatives to scale-ups - can thrive. We’re already welcoming a great mix of organisations, and I can’t wait to see the space come alive with activity, energy and inspiring ideas.”
Peter Langly-Smith, managing director at Reef + Partners, said: “The opening of Patch Gloucester is a major milestone for The Forum.
“Patch brings energy, creativity and community to the development and plays a key role in establishing The Forum as a vibrant destination for business growth in the city centre.”
Centrally located next to Kings Square and the new University of Gloucestershire city campus, The Forum benefits from excellent transport links and is within walking distance of Gloucester train and bus stations.
Patch Gloucester aims to support more than 100 businesses and up to 500 members.