A major milestone has been reached in the delivery of Gloucester’s landmark Forum development, with the fit-out of Patch Gloucester now complete ahead of its official opening on 5 January.
The completion of the flagship 17,000 sq ft workspace marks a significant step forward for The Forum, bringing the long-awaited city-centre destination for work, business and community activity closer to full operation.
Patch Gloucester will be the largest site in the Patch network to date, offering a mix of private offices, co-working studios, dedicated desks, members’ lounges and publicly bookable meeting rooms and event spaces. The hub is designed to support creatives, entrepreneurs, small businesses and community groups, providing a flexible and modern environment for collaboration and growth.
The fit-out has been delivered by Gloucester-based Cobus Spaces, a third-generation family business with more than 20 years’ experience delivering design-and-build office projects across the UK. The company worked alongside a team of trusted local subcontractors to bring the space to life.
The finished workspace reflects a design-led and sustainable approach, aligning with The Forum’s green credentials, including its status as net-zero carbon in operation.
Freddie Fforde, founder of Patch, said the completion of the fit-out was an exciting moment for the project.
“We’re proud to have worked closely with Cobus Spaces – they’re renowned for delivering exceptional workplaces, and their commitment to sustainability fits perfectly with Patch,” he said.
“With the fit-out complete and final preparations now underway, Patch Gloucester is already starting to feel like the vibrant, community-driven hub we set out to create. We look forward to welcoming members and visitors when we open in early January.”
Patch forms a central part of the £107 million Forum development, led by Gloucester City Council in partnership with Reef + Partners. The wider scheme includes 135,000 sq ft of Grade A office space, a four-star Hotel Indigo, a 393-space car park with 41 electric vehicle charging points, residential apartments and retail units.
Lloyd Coldrick, managing director of Cobus Spaces, said the project was a source of pride for the local firm.
“We’re very proud to have played a central role in bringing Patch Gloucester to life,” he said. “Our team brought decades of expertise to the project, working closely with Patch to realise their design-led, community-focused vision.”
Peter Langly-Smith, managing director at Reef + Partners, described the completion as a key moment for the wider development.
“This is a major milestone for The Forum and a proud moment for everyone involved,” he said. “Patch’s spaces will bring real dynamism to Gloucester, and we look forward to welcoming more inspiring businesses to the city in the new year.”
Cllr Jeremy Hilton, leader of Gloucester City Council, added: “Having Patch’s flagship based here in Gloucester, and at The Forum, is a major win for the city. Its opening will be a fantastic start to a year that will see The Forum deliver new jobs, investment and long-term benefits for the local economy.”
More information about Patch Gloucester and how to register interest can be found at www.patch.work/locations/gloucester.