A new chapter at the Grainstore: Welcome to The Forum

We’re delighted to finally introduce a long-awaited addition to the Grainstore – The Forum.

What started as an initial sketch – a simple idea for a shared, outdoor space where people could meet, eat, and relax – has grown into something truly special. The Forum is now a fully realised social hub at the heart of our site and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you.

The concept was always to create a central, accessible space that encouraged community and connection. We first imagined it as a place where tenants could grab lunch, hold informal meetings or simply take a moment to recharge. We had originally hoped to open the Forum in late 2023, but as the site’s popularity grew and demand for units increased, our focus shifted temporarily to the development of the Long Building – a brand-new section of The Grainstore designed to welcome more businesses and enhance what we offer.

That expansion came with its own set of challenges. One of the biggest was carefully removing our much-loved mural to make way for a new entrance into the future Forum space. It was a delicate job – and not one we took lightly – but it was necessary to open up access and make the area truly usable for everyone on site.

For a while, the Forum remained a work in progress – pieces coming together bit by bit. But over the past few months, thanks to the help of a number of brilliant contractors and our dedicated in-house team, it has truly taken shape. We’ve moved from sketches and ideas to turf, lights, colour and life.

Now open 24/7, the Forum has become a popular meeting place for both tenants and visitors. Whether you’re catching up with colleagues, meeting a client, enjoying a solo coffee or just soaking up some sun, the space is open to all. We designed it to feel inviting, easygoing and functional – and we’re proud to say it really does.

Overlooking the space is our fantastic tenant café, The Pantry, which has become an essential part of the experience. Offering a wide variety of options – including hot breakfasts, fresh sandwiches, jacket potatoes, seasonal dishes, homemade cakes and barista-made coffees – it’s a favourite for lunchtime visits and casual catch-ups. The Pantry’s location right beside the Forum makes it easy to grab something delicious and head straight outside.

Aesthetically, the Forum was designed to feel like a homely garden. The space features artificial grass for a soft, green foundation, along with a range of plants & greenery to add life & texture. Overhead, strings of warm-glow lightbulbs (installed by C&N Electrical) give the space a welcoming atmosphere day or night – perfect for relaxed afternoons or early evening conversations.

Adding a bold visual touch to the space is the mural by Charlotte Designs, originally created as a colourful tribute to two of Blandford’s iconic bridges. While the mural was temporarily removed to facilitate access during construction, we’re pleased that much of it has now been reinstated in the Forum – thanks to the careful work of our handymen Pete and Steve, who have also handled everything from planting to layout with real attention to detail.

Looking at it now, it’s hard to believe this all began as a rough sketch on paper. The Forum has become something more than just a common area – it’s a space that brings people together. It reflects the spirit of the Grainstore: practical, creative and community-focused.

We’re genuinely proud of how it’s come together and incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make it happen. The Forum is already becoming a favourite destination on site – and we can’t wait to see how it grows and evolves in the months to come.