East of England Co-op supports Colchester LGBTQ+ venue, The Dragonfly Lounge

The East of England Co-op has helped support the opening of The Dragonfly Lounge, a vibrant LGBTQIA+ venue, now open in Foundation House, Colchester — one of the commercial spaces created through a £5.5 million redevelopment by property owners East of England Co-op. 
 
Since opening in March, The Dragonfly Lounge has quickly become a much-loved addition to the local community — providing a vital, inclusive space for people to come together, enjoy live performances, and connect in a welcoming and safe environment. 

This lease to The Dragonfly Lounge forms part of the East of England Co-op’s wider Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy, supporting businesses that reflect the region’s diversity and contribute to building stronger, more inclusive communities. 
 
Stuart McDonald, Chief Property Officer for the East of England Co-op said: “We’re thrilled to see The Dragonfly Lounge thriving in Foundation House. It’s a brilliant example of how our properties can do more than just deliver a return — they can help meet a real social need and bring people together.” 
 
The venue has already hosted a range of events and performances that reflect and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, including ‘dragaoke’, cabaret shows and drag afternoon tea.  

Jo Palmer-Tweed, Director of The Dragonfly Lounge said: “Opening The Dragonfly Lounge has been a journey full of passion and persistence, we’re incredibly proud of what we’ve created here in the heart of Colchester. 

“From the very beginning, our vision was to build a space where the LGBTQIA+ community could feel safe, seen and celebrated and thanks to the East of England Co-op's support, that vision has become a reality.” 
 
Foundation House, redeveloped by the East of England Co-op in 2020, was designed to support a blend of residential, commercial, and community-focused use. The arrival of The Dragonfly Lounge is a clear example of the building fulfilling that ambition. The Society has two further units within the development under offer, with one unit still available ‘To Let’. 

 
In 2024, the regional retailer became the front of shirt sponsor for Colchester Kings RFC, a gay and inclusive rugby club as well as, sponsoring Pride events in both Colchester and Norwich.