High street bank Barclays is converting its under-used office space into free space for entrepreneurs, social enterprises and community groups.

The business has called the programme ‘Hatch’ and is partnering with charity 3Space to transform spaces throughout the UK. The first Hatch has just opened in Oxford and there are three more planned in 2015.

According to Barclays, Hatch will provide solutions to a combination of needs beyond the physical locations, including creative and social help to get ideas off the ground.

Andrew Cribb, CEO of 3Space, said: “We have identified a need for a type of local space where creatives, social enterprise, non-profits and local entrepreneurs can work, collaborate and experiment, creating value from an otherwise under-utilised resource.”

The Oxford Hatch is a converted bank vault, which is now equipped with a 3D printer and other workshop tools. It offers free support from Barclays staff, including technology advice.

The initiative follows other entrepreneur-focused schemes from Barclays including Barclays Accelerator, a three-month start-up programme; and the opening of the Escalator in East London and Manchester.

Derek White at Barclays said: “One of the challenges facing fledgling enterprises is finding affordable space in which they can experiment with ideas and foster creativity.

“Working with 3Space allows us to tackle this, providing a base for local entrepreneurs and social enterprises and giving them access to the support and resources they need, beyond traditional banking products and services.”