A new co-working space has opened its doors in Newcastle West, offering flexible, environmentally sustainable offices designed to accommodate the modern-day workplace.
WOTSO co-working space has officially opened, located in Newcastle West on the corner of Tudor and Hunter Street.
The opening ceremony was accompanied by co-managing directors Jessie Glew and Tim Brown, as well as State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp, who officially cut the ribbon.
Brown said WOTSO brought a modern take on flexible workspaces to Newcastle and contributed to Newcastle’s West end revitalisation.
“We bring a collection of small businesses to an area, and that area grows because those businesses spend in that area instead of travelling somewhere else to spend their money; this, in turn, grows lots of small micro-economies,” Brown said.
“We also want to create productive workspaces where everyone feels welcome and have a relaxed yet professional feel.
“Reuse of existing materials is a key feature of each of the spaces meaning that you will see data racks turned into tables and original furnishings being repurposed.”
Brown said each WOTSO site was unique to the local area and provided the feel of working from home but the amenity and comfort of an office.
Set across three levels, including a rooftop for lunch breaks and leisure, the Newcastle space features upcycled and recycled materials within its build.
The design also pays homage to Newcastle’s industrial heritage and Indigenous culture while creating a modern space that draws on the location and proximity to the coast.
Local Newcastle artist Ellie Hannon decorated the space with funky, immersive natural world paintings full of colour scapes and playful textures.
Each level of the building has a unique style and burst of colour, including the rooftop terrace, which includes Hannon’s colourful jungle art scape contrast against the Newcastle skyline.
“Each of our spaces primarily service the local businesses that surround it, so a great way of engaging with that community is by using locals to help give each space its look and feel,” Brown said.
“It’s something for Novocastrians to be proud of and a way for WOTSO to showcase Novocastrian talent.”
What started as an innovative and, at the time, largely unexplored approach to vacant office space, WOTSO evolved into a desk hire workplace and is now a network of sole traders and local start-up businesses across Australia.
They offer flexible co-working memberships, permanent desks, offices space, and meeting rooms with zero contract terms and only month-to-month agreements.
“Newcastle is a booming area and has always been a location we wanted to be in, but we just haven’t been able to find the right piece of real estate,” co-managing director Jessie Glew said.
“The rise of remote working will only serve to increase Newcastle’s appeal as an economic centre, and we are looking to service this growth.
“Given the recent surge of Sydney city dwellers favouring regional areas to pursue reduced costs of living and more conducive lifestyle choices, we cannot wait to add our flexible space offering to the Newcastle market.”
For more information on WOTSO, visit their website at wotsoworkspace.com.au.
Hayley McMahon
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