The first local businesses, creatives and charities moved into the Scratch Hub - a new co-working space in Battersea Arts Centre on Monday, September 13.

The art centre was devastated by a fire in 2015. They took the opportunity during the rebuild to add co-working spaces within the building. The beautifully remodelled building is for local businesses, creatives and charities. It’s a described as a 'creative space for unleashing great ideas and positive change, for testing ideas and growing'.

Over 50 workspaces are available with hot-desking options, as well as meeting and social spaces. Membership of the space is curated by Battersea Arts Centre to create a diverse community for sharing skills, exchanging feedback, sparking connections and collaborating. Other benefits include events for co-learning and use of a space at the front of the building for launches and receptions.

The Scratch Hub is inspired by a process called ‘Scratch’ which Battersea Arts Centre has been using since 2000 to test and develop ideas for theatre and performance.

Scratch can be used by anyone who wants to get creative and has been adopted worldwide. By testing a small idea with people first – a ‘scratch’ - you can develop even better ideas, and strong networks and teams.

Award-winning architects Haworth Tompkins have led the initial design of the Scratch Hub with the interior and furniture designed by Jeannine Inglis-Hall and Gary Campbell. The Scratch Hub will cater to different styles of working, with areas for collaborating, for working more quietly and for socialising. It will give members opportunities to take creative risks and grow together.

Members also get discounts on tickets to Battersea Arts Centre shows and on food and drink in the Scratch Bar.

The initial launch is a soft launch - and there’s still space for more people before the official opening in November. Battersea Arts Centre are keen to hear from anyone who thinks they’d find a good home for their business or social enterprise in the Scratch Hub.

There will be open days for people to try out the space. Prices start from £125 + VAT a month for a flexible hot desk and go up to £275 + VAT a month for a fixed desk.

People who are interested in becoming a member should contact Battersea Arts Centre at www.bac.org.uk/scratchhub , email scratchhub@bac.org.uk or call 020 7223 2223.