For many years, small businesses and individuals have been turning to co-working spaces to increase productivity and cut costs. Enter WeCoWork, West End’s newest and trendiest co-working space from Angus Munro of Marc & Co.
A West End local of more than 20 years, Munro’s architectural and business background, as well as the existing features of the Paris Street warehouse where the space is located, have all heavily influenced the design of the space. “The warehouse has a long history, so we wanted to maintain all of the existing features. Guests arrive in the kitchen, the social space, so they can be greeted by coffee and cake. We have lots of plants and natural light, because we believe these things make a workplace better for your wellbeing. The furniture is arranged for different scale groups and individuals. It is open plan because we think random conversations lead to opportunities.”
Munro and wife Renata Oliveira, both having been small business owners, know how tough breaking into the game can be. “When we started our own businesses, it took years to get enough clients to afford an office with meeting rooms, photocopiers, showers, kitchens.” The aim of their new space is to offer business opportunities to those who “might be starting out, working at home or in-between stages of life.”
The members that the space has already attracted ensure there is “never a dull moment”: communications professional Caroline Gardam and POPSART’s media maker and artist Bec Mac (WeCoWork’s Inaugural Artists in Residence) and the staff from architecture firm Marc & Co are all regular residents of the space. “WeCoWork is set up to be a long lasting community,” Munro says. “The idea is to enable people to connect with the local art and design community. There are talks and events about architecture, design and art on Fridays. Bec Mac hosts a monthly Salon (curated cultural conversation with wine) — next month she will be in conversation with artist Richard Bell. There even is morning tea with freshly baked cakes most days.”
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