For flexible workspace operators, big cities are still massively desirable, and understandably so, as they have established markets and are still attractive places for people to work in. But changing work patterns are opening up potential new locations for flex space offers.
Cities have always evolved to suit changing work, life and leisure demands, but what is different now is flexible and hybrid working, which could benefit secondary locations such as suburbs and towns.
Working from home has its advantages, but is not always appealing or practical. This is where an alternative, non-central flexible workspace could come in, offering a different place to work. With the right management, it can be a space that feels part of a community.
This sort of space is already springing up in the suburbs of London and other major cities. But outside the big-city suburbs, this flex space offer is often missing. In secondary and tertiary towns, smaller cities and suburbs, there is an opportunity to make shared workspace part of community hubs and the local offer.
Many operators have a minimum space requirement so will not touch smaller urban areas, which means less competition. But if approached the right way, there is a market there – the key is adapting to suit.
Regardless of location, the same rules of what to offer apply. It is still about providing desirable space people want to be in rather than need to be in.
If you can create local space that stands out from the other options – like the local café – and market it properly, it will sell like hot cakes. Understanding what has worked elsewhere in similar locations or what occupiers are demanding in various major cities will provide an insight into what will ultimately sell.
If approached right, there is a lovely world of forward-thinking operators that are very well positioned to make the most of historically overlooked locations that have been underserviced and undersupplied with in-demand, flexible workspace.
Will Kinnear is founder of flexible workspace agency HEWN
Cities have always evolved to suit changing work, life and leisure demands, but what is different now is flexible and hybrid working, which could benefit secondary locations such as suburbs and towns.Working from home has its advantages, but is not always appealing or practical. This is where an alternative, non-central flexible workspace could come in, offering a different place to work. With the right management, it can be a space that feels part of a community. This sort of space is already springing up in the suburbs of London and other major cities. But outside the big-city suburbs, this flex space offer is often missing. In secondary and tertiary towns, smaller cities and suburbs, there is an opportunity to make shared workspace part of community hubs and the local offer.Many operators have a minimum space requirement so will not touch smaller urban areas, which means less competition. But if approached the right way, there is a market there – the key is adapting to suit.Regardless of location, the same rules of what to offer apply. It is still about providing desirable space people want to be in rather than need to be in. If you can create local space that stands out from the other options – like the local café – and market it properly, it will sell like hot cakes. Understanding what has worked elsewhere in similar locations or what occupiers are demanding in various major cities will provide an insight into what will ultimately sell.If approached right, there is a lovely world of forward-thinking operators that are very well positioned to make the most of historically overlooked locations that have been underserviced and undersupplied with in-demand, flexible workspace.Will Kinnear is founder of flexible workspace agency HEWN
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