Miranda Jessop finds an iconic corner of Battersea doing business from scratch...
Saved from demolition in the 1960s, threatened with closure in 1979 and damaged by fire in 2015, Battersea Arts Centre (BAC) remains victorious in its mission to inspire people to take creative risks in shaping the future. And now, thanks to Scratch Hub, it is even possible to run your business from this iconic building.
Tucked away at the back of BAC, Scratch Hub is a new shared workspace for entrepreneurs, freelancers, social enterprises and start-ups. Since it opened in November last year, a medley of creatives has already taken up residence in this beautiful and affordable facility, which offers flexible hot desking as well as fixed desk membership.
Producer Maddie Wilson, from the Arts Centre team, is on hand to show me around. Evidently there is an area to suit everyone – from the main hot desking space known as the ‘Garden Room’ to the fixed desk area in the ‘Orangery’. For those needing a bit more peace the quieter ‘Study’ is the room of choice, while meetings for up to 12 people are held in the ‘Hive’. There’s also a workshop and event space in the main Arts Centre building, which Scratch Hub members are welcome to use.
The kitchen is always fully stocked with tea, coffee and milk and the adjoining ‘apartment’ is just the job for informal meetings or a quick bite to eat. Full of plants, the whole place is light and airy; an eclectic mix of modern furniture interspersed with old school tables, restored cinema seats, antique mirrors and reclaimed chairs.
At the heart of Scratch Hub is the chance to share skills, exchange feedback and spark new connections.
“Our members come together at informal socials such as ‘Thirsty Thursday’ and ‘Monday afternoon tea’, and we also have a time banking board in the kitchen where people can exchange skills,” explains Maddie.
There’s also a programme of free events for members and non-members alike, including inspirational and dynamic sessions with guest speakers, plus networking to explore and generate new ideas and ways of working.
Already feeling at home, I set up an impromptu meeting space at a vintage wooden table in the apartment. Bespoke wallpaper depicting the history of BAC reminds me where I am, as Scratch Hub members introduce themselves...
Meet some of the creatives:
Creative director, Bardot Taylor is on the verge of launching her exciting new venture. House of Nyabinghi will be an online lifestyle brand of womenswear, menswear and accessories sourced from designers across the African diaspora.
“The idea is that, when you buy from us, you are investing in a collector’s item that you will still be wearing in five to ten years,” says Bardot. “My dream is to be celebrated in Vogue. And if one of my pieces were to be worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, I’d be overjoyed.”
Bardot loves the creative energy at Scratch Hub.
“People here are at different points in their journey. Some businesses have been going for years and others, like mine, are in the early stages. It all makes for great energy.”
Writerz and Scribez is a not-for-profit creative organisation built on the foundation that art changes and heightens the quality of life. Started by Jemilea Wisdom-Baako four years ago, the social enterprise runs poetry, drama, photography and music workshops for marginalised groups in an effort to reduce social isolation, discrimination and stigma.
One of its projects, Lamppost, consists of a series of poetry workshops in women’s refuges.
“It is just amazing to see the power of the words created,” enthuses Jemilea. “Amongst the tears, there is so much positivity and healing.
“As for Scratch Hub, it’s so good to be based in a place that is known for creative arts. The people I have met here have helped me in so many different ways. It really is a great community.”
Founded in 2007, Tea Films is a film production company which collaborates with arts and educational organisations and charities. It’s driven by a passion for creative storytelling, with current projects including Matthew Bourne’s new ballet production of Romeo and Juliet and artist Ai Weiwei’s creation of a flag to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Joining Scratch Hub was an easy choice for filmmakers and brothers, Adam and Dan Hipkin.
“We grew up down the road and BAC was where we came to see puppetry and children’s theatre. So when we heard about this, we jumped at the chance to come back into the building,” says Adam.
“It’s great to have been here from the start and to see all these incredible people use the space. It’s a place of ‘anything is possible’,” adds Dan.
More info visit: bac.org.uk/scratchhub
