Oru Space

Idea

Introduction

Oru, meaning ‘for one’ in Tamil, cultivates connection. Oneness is the essence that sustains and drives our regenerative culture, through a series of interconnected decision making processes.

Through coworking, wellbeing, food and events, we nurture an ecosystem of inclusive, vibrant community, across multi-faceted, accessible and dynamic spaces.

Sustainability and purpose are at the core of every action, as we innovate through creative collision and collaboration to regenerate high streets, build social initiatives and support well-being. We take a long-term view for economic success alongside the health of our community and environment.

Substantial accomplishments to date

- Over the course of 3 years, Oru East Dulwich has grown to turn over 1.4 million pounds yearly across coworking, well-being and food*.
*based on unaudited management accounts
- We welcome over a thousand people a day through our doors over 6,000 sqft in East Dulwich.
- Oru Sutton’s breakeven occupancy in coworking as a lone revenue stream is 50%.
- Three months prior to launching Oru Sutton we have reached 47% occupancy across private offices, treatment rooms and coworking.
- Oru’s cafe received a Good Food Award this year
- Oru’s new evening restaurant, Trinco, was featured in the Evening Standard
- Oru Sutton has been awarded a contribution of £6.9 million pounds from Sutton Council, GLA and Big South, who believe in our vision.
- Oru East Dulwich has been awarded a contribution of £700k from Southwark Council.
- Oru Sutton has been awarded a grant from Grow Back Greener, to fund the creation of a rooftop sensory garden that local SEN schools can visit and use to support learning.

Monetisation strategy

Oru has four revenue streams:

1. Coworking - Hot Desking, Fixed Desks & Private Offices
2. Wellbeing - Wellness classes, workshops & events
3. Food - Daytime cafe and evening restaurant Trinco
4. Spa/Bar/Events - due in 2024.

The four areas work together seamlessly, crafting a multi-faceted hub designed to nurture collaboration and creativity. The diverse income stream allows for regular fixed income from coworking to be paired with transactional revenue from wellness and hospitality, resulting in four independent, reliable income streams, both B2B and B2C, that interact with one another.

Use of proceeds

Oru are investing in the design, construction and fit-out of the hospitality-led-rooftop - bar/restaurant/spa. Hassell Studio, our appointed architects are leading the design team, with specialist support from structural engineers, mechanical designers and sustainability consultants. The design team will account for approximately 20% of spend, and 80% will be spent on creating amazing spaces and facilities, including setting up the operational aspect. Design work is already underway, and preapplication has been submitted to the planning department. We believe there is zero planning risk.