Inside Communa: Andy Harding reveals his vision for Frome’s newest community hub

Frome has a new gathering place and, if founder Andy Harding has his way, it’s just the beginning of something much bigger.

Communa, on Church Street, has quietly opened its doors this summer, transforming the former French Antique building and neighbouring properties into what Andy describes as “a hub for hospitality, creativity, learning and wellbeing.”

Rather than simply creating another café or bar, his ambition is to build somewhere people can spend an entire day.

“It’s about helping people commune and belong,” he says. “A space where people can feel they belong and want to dwell.”

A vision that grew organically

The project has been years in the making. What started as the purchase of one building quickly expanded when neighbouring properties, including the former Bartholomew’s fish and chip shop, unexpectedly became available.

“It all grew organically,” Andy explains. “Once all three buildings came together, I realised we had a unique opportunity to create something at a scale that Frome doesn’t really have.”

That vision is now beginning to take shape.

A summer of food, music and events

Throughout the summer, Communa is rolling out a programme of events while work continues on the wider development. Thursdays will host supper clubs and private dining experiences, Fridays feature New York-style pizzas from Doubles Pizza alongside vinyl DJs, Saturdays will welcome Bristol burger favourites Milk Bun for a regular residency, and Sundays combine Persian fire cooking with live jazz on the terrace.

Longer term, Andy imagines culinary experiences inspired by destinations around the world, with communal dining stretching across the outdoor space around fire pits.

The terrace itself is a major part of the attraction.

“We’ve probably got the largest outdoor hospitality space in Frome,” he says. “We wanted to celebrate that this summer.”

Wellbeing, creativity and community

But food and drink are only one piece of the puzzle.

Future phases of the development include co-working spaces, hot yoga, saunas, ice baths, artist studios, a boutique hotel, screening rooms and Club Below, an intimate live music and cocktail venue due to open later this year.

Andy believes there’s a growing appetite for flexible spaces that bring people together.

“So many people have moved to Frome looking for community,” he says. “You might go to a café or a restaurant, but after a couple of hours you feel like you should move on. We wanted to create somewhere you could comfortably spend the whole day.”

A membership built on contribution

Communa will also introduce a membership scheme, although Andy is keen to stress it won’t be exclusive.

“It’s not based on how much money you have or what profession you’re in,” he explains. “It’s about what you can contribute to the community.”

Members will receive benefits including discounts and priority booking for events, while the venue will remain open to everyone on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Part of a bigger future for Church Street

Looking across Church Street towards Saxonvale, Andy hopes Communa can play a small part in the wider regeneration of the area.

“I hope the Mayday Saxonvale campaign is successful,” he says. “It’s been a long time coming, and I’m hoping what we’re creating here shows what’s possible and gives people confidence in the future of this part of Frome.”

So what does success look like in five years’ time?

For Andy, it isn’t just about completed buildings.

“It’s about having an active, interesting community of members and guests using the spaces every day,” he says. “People benefiting from what happens here, both on site and beyond.”

Hear the full interview with Andy Harding on the next episode of the When in Frome podcast and Frome FM, released on 1st August, where he talks in more detail about the vision behind Communa, the future of Club Below, and why he believes community is at the heart of the project.

Written by Daisy Steel.

Journalist, columnist and podcaster