Co-working spaces: Options multiply for businesspeople looking to rent a desk in Southport

Find out what it costs to rent a desk by the hour or day or month in Southport.

Offices First manager Rachel Jackson at the new facility. Picture: TIM MARSDEN

A NEW entrant is set to shake up the increasingly competitive market for serviced office and co-working space on the Gold Coast.

Offices First, a sister company to Retail First, which manages shopping centres, has leased the 10th level of Australia Fair for a 37-suite serviced-office location.

Managing director Steven Bridges said the company has seen an opportunity to meet demand in the Southport area.

Southport is already home to several operators including Maylake’s Gold Coast Business Hub on Scarborough St and Co Spaces.

However, Mr Bridges said the business brought a different offering to the market.

Maylake CEO Lorraine Lovatt whose company offers coworking space and serviced offices at the Gold Coast Business Hub. Photo: Steve Holland

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“We are more serviced offices than co-working space,” he said. “Our philosophy is to be connected to a shopping centre environment so they are part of that community.

“We also have a club program. If you are a member at one of our locations you can visit and work from the others free of charge.”

Offices First has a 10-year lease for the 1060sq m floor.

It is marketing suites from 10sq m to 50sq m, starting at $1000 a month up to $5000.

“We are targeting people that are wanting a full facility but without a long-term lease.

“We give them flexibility to grow their business.”

Space can be leased from one hour to as long as 12 months. The rate covers internet, phone and a full-time receptionist for the entire space as well as the use of shared facilities including boardrooms, meeting rooms, kitchen, cafe/bar area and a deck looking out to the Broadwater.

Mr Bridges said he believed the Southport market was currently underserviced.

“There is not much in Southport,” he said.

“We have a fair bit of faith there. It seems to be well supported by all levels of government.”

Two suites have been leased so far, with inquiries coming from financial planners, lawyers, psychologists and other professionals.

Australia Fair is owned by YPG Shopping Centres.

SERVICED OFFICES/CO — WORKING SPACE COSTS:

Southport:

Offices First: Suites from $1000 per month

Gold Coast Business Hub:

Co-working desks: from $28/half day

Offices and suites: from $330 a week

Meeting rooms: from $45 an hour

Co Spaces:

Drop in day rate: $33 inc gst

Part time coworking (5 days a month): $198 inc gst

Full time coworking desk: $660 inc gst (monthly)