9 October 2017
Christchurch is embracing the burgeoning international trend of co-working, which recognises the nature of how and when we work is changing. Check out the wide range of shared work spaces available across our city for freelancers, entrepreneurs, start-ups and community groups. But first, here are five benefits of co-working:
- Work alongside like-minded people and enjoy a community vibe.
- Ideas happen when businesses of a similar size, stage or mind-set rub shoulders.
- Access quality equipment you might not have in your home office.
- Share expenses such as heating, lighting, security, cleaning and WiFi.
- Do things your way by choosing when, where and how often you work.
ARGO
215 Marine Parade, New Brighton
ARGO describes itself as 'an ecosystem of passionate and driven professionals'. It has 40 desks available, an event space, meeting room, parking and offers in-house events and networking. Oh, and it has beach views. It even offers surfboard storage.
Christchurch Community House
301 Tuam St, Christchurch Central
Christchurch Community House offers 'hot desking' exclusively to community groups, and a range of other tenancy options and bookable rooms for meetings and interviews. It is run by a group of non-profit organisations committed to making a difference through modelling a strong connected community.
C-Lab
270 St Asaph St, Christchurch Central
C-Lab offers desks and meeting rooms for freelancers, entrepreneurs and start-ups. It is located in the vibrant laneways of the Boxed Quarter on the corner of Madras and St Asaph Streets and has a roof-top balcony.
EPIC
76/106 Manchester St, Christchurch Central
EPIC is a central-city hub of high-tech digital collaboration for some of New Zealand’s brightest and proven high-tech companies. It has meeting rooms, event spaces, a co-working lounge and hosts interesting speakers every week.
The Boardroom
10 Wakefield Ave, Sumner
The Boardroom provides a shared space for self-employed, entrepreneurial and remote working Sumner residents. It is found above the local surf shop, just a stone’s throw from the beach. It has six permanent desks and one hot desk, available between 9am and 5pm. Jandals are welcome.
GreenHouse
146 Lichfield St, Christchurch Central
GreenHouse is an innovation hub for start-ups, scale-ups and small businesses looking to grow. It has 40 desks, meeting rooms and an open event space for up to 100 guests. It offers tailored support, programmes and events for its residents and the wider Christchurch community.
Awesome HQ
192 St Asaph St, Christchurch Central
Awesome HQ is provided by the Ministry of Awesome, which connects residents to a thriving entrepreneurial community through one-on-one support, events and more. The co-working space is specifically designed to support start-ups, freelancers, small businesses and individuals.
Phillipstown Community Hub
39 Nursery Rd, Phillipstown
Phillipstown Community Hub is made up of community groups, organisations and agencies working towards developing and enhancing a more inclusive community. It has three community lounges available and several office spaces. It hosts a wide range activities, from pottery classes to educational services and support groups.
The Collect
Suite 1, Level 1, 185 Manchester St
The Collect is a warm and welcoming space in the heart of the CBD. It has 30 desks available and two meeting rooms. Its founders wanted to create a home for freelancers, start-ups and entrepreneurs 'and in doing so create a diverse community where our workspace continually inspires us'.
XCHC
376 Wilsons Rd, Waltham
Exchange Christchurch or XCHC is all about cultivating a creative ecology by providing a place to produce, showcase and share creative works. It has an onsite licensed café and bar and a space for exhibitions and events, as well as a loft apartment for visitors and artists in residence.
BizDojo
4 Ash Street, Christchurch Central
BizDojo is the largest co-working space in the city, with 150 desks, three meeting rooms and an open event space. It is marketed as 'more than just a desk', with insightful people and programmes on hand to help businesses grow. BizDojo is also plugged in to a national network, with other 'dojos' in Auckland and Wellington and one on the way for Queenstown.
Community 101
111 Cashel St, Christchurch Central
Community101 is a free co-working space found at BNZ in the CBD, with 20 desks available for anyone to use during business hours – and not just BNZ customers. Community101 also holds free regular events, such as workshops, seminars and expos.
Evil Genius Bar & Lair
Unit B, 1091 Ferry Road
Evil Genius Bar & Lair is described as a café, bar and co-working space for 'outcasts, geniuses, mavericks and misanthropes looking for cool spot to work, eat and drink... not necessarily in that order'. Based in Ferrymead, it enjoys a great view of the estuary and the café has great kai.
