Merchants' warehouse to become co-working space

The Bonding Warehouse, on York's riverside, was originally built for local merchants to store goods

A historic warehouse in York is set to get a new lease of life as a co-working space.

The Grade II-listed Bonding Warehouse, built in the 1870s, was originally used by local merchants as a storage facility.

It was later transformed into a pub and steak bar, followed by a popular music venue, before its enforced closure due to flooding in 2000.

More recently, the warehouse became a mixed-use development of luxury apartments and office space.

Start-up firm Patch has since struck a £900,000 deal to take over 12,000sqft (1,110sqm) of the building, in the former Anaplan headquarters.

Planning to open to businesses and the community in January, Patch will be offering office and co-working spaces for up to 50 companies and 400 members.

The new co-working space could host up to 400 members

According to the company, the new space would extend over two floors and combine the building's original features with modern amenities.

It would have "super-fast WiFi", electric standing desks, second screens, focus booths and free coffee, the firm said.

Public spaces would also include a "state-of-the-art" podcast studio, meeting rooms and event areas, which would be bookable by the hour.

Founder and CEO of Patch, Freddie Fforde, said: "Our mission is to establish Patch as York's leading destination for start-ups and small businesses.

"We are excited to welcome everyone into our community as we collectively shape York’s future as a flourishing centre for entrepreneurship and innovation."

Public spaces include a podcast studio, meeting rooms and event space

York City councillor Pete Kilbane said he was "thrilled with the news" of the new hub.

"The investment will provide an exciting space for local businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents to collaborate, create, and thrive in the heart of the city, adding to the long list of reasons why York is a great place to do business," he said.

"The Bonding Warehouse is a proud symbol of York's industrial heritage that has adapted over the years to host offices, hospitality and residential accommodation."

He added this was a "great example" of how a historic city could adapt to the needs of the modern world.

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