Co-working comes to Porirua

Co-working comes to Porirua

Co-working has taken hold in Porirua.

Along with the recently established City Hub pop-up initiative, at 17a Hartham Pl, where businesses, freelancers and startup companies can set up for different periods of time, The Settlement is on its way.

The Settlement was set up a year ago in Jackson St, Petone, by James and Meredith Walshe, and James says it is proving popular.

The Settlement comes to Porirua in October, with a fitout under way on the first floor above City Fitness at 1 Walton Leigh Ave, the old Housing Corp building.

It’s 625 square metres and will have the ability to welcome up to 100 people.

“It’s a beautiful, brand new space,” Walshe said.

“In Petone, we have carparking, it’s close to the train station and public transport, we provide great coffee and tea, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, modern work spaces and meeting rooms with smart TVs and projectors – we’re ticking a lot of boxes for individuals and businesses as a place to set up, along with organisations looking for space for workshops, seminars and events” he said.

Accountants, sales reps, consultants, designers, developers, architects, engineers, PR workers and others use the space as a temporary hub or semi-permanent home. It can welcome people for days or just a few hours, depending on what their needs are.

Co-working is on a high, with spaces being established in the bigger centres, and even places like Carterton and Westport. It’s the future of work, Walshe said, as people move away from the daily commute, office high-rises but not into isolation at home as the desire for collaborative, flexible workplaces and hours ramp up.

Walshe said in Petone and Porirua you can buy a package to suit your needs – from a 10-day ticket to a monthly deal. There is the ability to hot desk but also have a permanent spot.

“Co-working is a growth industry and you don’t need to be tied to an office lease or have the cost of an office setup any more. Bring in a laptop, plug in and you’re away.

“Porirua is on a growth trajectory and has a large number of small businesses so we want to provide a place to help them grow.”

Porirua City’s Manager City Growth and Strategic Property, Darryn Grant, says feedback from the community has highlighted a demand for co-working spaces in the city.

It was a topic raised at the Porirua City Centre Summit in May and it is great to see facilities like these becoming available in the city centre, he said.

The council is not directly funding The Settlement but has been actively talking with Walshe about what is happening in Porirua and wants to ensure there is good awareness of the facility and the opportunity it presents for local businesses.

Porirua Mayor Mike Tana says he is excited to hear of The Settlement’s establishment.

“We heard from the community at the Summit how important spaces for our businesses are to their development and growth. We know it will provide a great avenue for business to thrive,” he said.

Email work@thesettlement.co.nz for more information.

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