Startup, 'Patch' had its official opening in Twickenham on Thursday (21 September).

The idea is that Twickenham locals will be able to 'WNH' (work near home), in a bid to reignite the high street.

The new 'lighthouse for local life' will champion culture, community,  the spirit of entrepreneurship and promote access to workspaces and job opportunities near people's homes.

Patch offers flexible memberships designed to accommodate a variety of working schedules, making them ideal for hybrid workers, working parents or individuals entering the workforce for the first time.

Membership for workspace access starts at just £24 per month and they will also be providing a number of scholarships to local young people.

A meeting room at Patch. (Photo Credit: Benoit Grogan Avignon).

Freddie Fforde, Founder and CEO of Patch, said: "Where, when and how we work has changed.

"We call it the 'Work Near Home' era, and it's based on our belief that spending more time in our local community is key to creating happier societies, healthier high streets and greater opportunities for all."

He added: "It's about having a space to work, interact with others and feel productive - but also being close enough to do the school run, go for lunch locally and interact with and discover other local businesses. 

"Patch customers tell us one of their favourite aspects of our venues is the lack of commute, sense of local community and better work life balance."

It is Patch's biggest location so far and it will bring 250 new jobs to the area, by encouraging people to reinvest their time, money and talent into where they live by working closer to home. 

The location includes a 3,500 sq ft ground floor public access space. This includes Café Arora, with Indian street-food served by local resident Sheetal Arora, a multi-purpose events studio, a local makers market and a podcast studio.

The podcast studio (Photo Credit: Benoit Grogan Avignon).

The space will host a programme of community and cultural events including inspiring talks, supper clubs, sports clubs, business workshops, networking events and crafts classes.

The redevelopment was supported by Richmond Council and the South London Partnership, who secured funding for the project via  the BIG South London programme.

Cllr Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council and Chair of the South London Partnership, said: "I am delighted we can now announce Patch will be delivering this new enterprise and innovation hub and look forward to welcoming businesses, entrepreneurs and residents from across our borough and beyond to the space and to Twickenham."

One local person, at the opening event said: "I think it will be an excellent space for people to work and have their own office space outside of the home."

She added that it is a very welcome addition to Twickenham High Street.

The Patch in Twickenhma is joining sites in Chelmsford and High Wycombe and their aim is to have a site on every major UK high street.