Best New Co-working Space
Co-working is becoming the new normal for both startups and larger corporations, with 26 per cent more spaces for hire in 2018 than in 2017. But this increased competition means operators need to do more than offer free coffee and a social media-worthy interior. Trends include the rise of niche industryspecific spaces, flexible memberships that allow users to work at locations around the world and suburban offices for those who want to avoid the congestion of the CBD altogether.
Worksmith, Melbourne worksmith.io
Worksmith was founded to bring the hospitality, food and beverage sector into the world of co-working. As well as event space and desks, Worksmith in Collingwood has a commercial kitchen.
The look and feel Designer Chris James – the name behind chic cocktail bar Above Board and Carlton pizzeria Capitano – is responsible for decking out this warehouse-like space with an 11-metre metallic bar, velvet sofas and coloured cabinetry.
The crowd Wine and spirit distributors and producers, food startups and journalists, hospitality consultants and more. The wow factor If you talk food and drinks all day, the dedicated podcasting room at the venue could turn your chatter into an iTunes chart-topper.
WOTSO Chermside, Brisbane
wotsoworkspace.com.au
Inside a Westfield shopping centre in Brisbane’s north, the WOTSO Chermside venue is in keeping with the company’s ethos of servicing co-working communities beyond the CBDs of capital cities.
The look and feel A splashy mural, concrete flooring and a kitchen sink fashioned out of an old claw-foot bath give this 1400-square-metre workspace – that includes openplan seating, dedicated offices and meeting rooms – a bright, contemporary edge.
The crowd Small-to-medium enterprises and mobile corporates. The wow factor Restaurants, a gym and even child care are just steps from your desk.
Kafnu Alexandria, Sydney kafnu.com
Opened in March, Australia’s first “co-working hotel” gives hotel guests complimentary use of the co-working spaces during their stay. Memberships are also available, giving regular business travellers access to Kafnu’s network across the Asia-Pacific. The look and feel The $5 million fit-out inside The Mill complex features marble and brass accents and leather sofas, making it feel more like a high-end homewares store than an office.
The crowd Business and leisure travellers and corporate VIPs.
The wow factor Guests can access 1500 on-demand exercise classes at the virtual fitness studio.
Victory Offices, Perth victoryoffices.com.au
Victory Offices’ first Perth location resides at prime real estate in the CBD’s Exchange Tower, occupied by the city’s top law, mining, finance and investment firms.
The look and feel Pared-back black-and-grey interiors keep things professional, while splashes of primary colour get the creative juices flowing.
The crowd Resources professionals and tech and hospitality execs. The wow factor Panoramic views of the city and Swan River from most of the shared spaces.
Spaces T&G Building, Melbourne
spacesworks.com
Amsterdam-based Spaces group opened its latest Australian outpost inside the heritage-listed T&G Building last year. It includes 3560 square metres of office space, 80 co-working desks and six meeting rooms.
The look and feel A collaboration with the Centre for Contemporary Photography in Melbourne mixes local artwork with the space’s clean lines and blond-wood accents. The crowd An eclectic blend of old and new businesses; everyone from sneakers to suits.
The wow factor In-house catering is run by the original team behind famed cafés The Kettle Black and Top Paddock.