Coworking comes to town
By Gilbert West · 23 July 2026
Co-Here has opened in a former town centre church as a coworking space. Alongside the fast wi-fi and podcasting suite they have the ingredients to cook up a successful coworking community.
I’ve been known to say, “give me a seat, wi-fi and a plug socket and I’ll work from anywhere.” Co-Here definitely has all that and the good news is that the wi-fi is good and fast. But if I’m honest about my experience of coworking spaces over the past 15 years or so, what always makes the difference is the people. It’s the connections that you make at a coworking space that make all the difference.
Many new places start out with the building, the fittings and furniture, but all of the successful coworking spaces I’ve been involved in over the years start out with a community that grows into a space rather than a building looking for a community.
That’s where I think Co-Here have got it right. They’ve taken a former church that they were using for their own business and opened it up to others. Karen, one of the founders, was already involved in business coaching through the Business Gateway pathways scheme and has managed to create a space that caters for a wide variety of business needs beyond the basics of wi-fi and somewhere to plop your laptop down.
More than a desk
As well as the usual coworking desks, comfy sofas, a well stocked drinks station and — hallelujah, someone finally gets it — a kitchen with a fridge and microwave, the extensive building also boasts a podcasting suite with professional mics and a mixer, a huge presentation screen and a photography setup with a backdrop and light box so you can create professional product media.
If you need private office space for the day, they have it. If you need a private boardroom set up for presentations or training courses, they have that too.
The building stays cool during hot spells and with five weeks left of the school holidays, it’s the perfect place to get some peace and clear a growing task list.
Where the “co” happens
Now back to that kitchen. No matter what facilities a space has, people always gather around the kitchen. It’s where the co in coworking happens, or at least that’s been my experience. Successful coworking spaces are flexible enough to let people go heads down to get some work finished, but create a culture of openness and connection when you’re not at your desk. Often this happens around food.
I’m optimistic that Co-Here will be a boon for the small business community in Dumfries. It’s a prominent building, well situated, close to the town centre and railway station, easy to find and close to good lunch spots. And did I mention they have great wi-fi?
The details
- Open Monday to Thursday, 9am – 5pm
- Desks from £15 a day
- Private offices, boardroom, podcasting suite and photography setup also available
Details of all the other rooms and facilities are on the Co-Here website.
