Imagine having your own office and Coronavirus shut your business down! But you've got to keep paying the lease for another 5 years...
Co-working spaces are thriving right now, due to their flexible contracts allowing you to signup for a few days, months, or years, without having to deal with landlords, rates, insurance, Internet providers and local legislation.
We take a look at the best co working spaces Melbourne has to offer, from trendy and laid back, to corporate style, there's something for everyone.
Most offer onsite cafe's, weekly events, ping pong tables, onsite parking, access to meeting rooms, conferencing facilities, concierges, courier services and everything you need to run your business, without signing up for a long lease.
Here are the coolest coworking spaces in Melbourne.
1. Executive Centre
The Executive Centre in Collins Square is a beautiful co-working space, located in the heart of Melbourne CBD, (Docklands space opening soon).
Woods Bagot, a high profile architect firm designed the space to be filled with light and spacious. The firm is dedicated to sustainability and innovation, which shines through in this 5 Green Star rating design.
Collins Square is located right next to the hustle and bustle of Southern Cross Station, Docklands Sports Stadium and many hole in the wall cafès, restaurants and luxurious stores.
The amenities include a members lounge, complimentary refreshments, state of the art wifi and adjustable standing desks. All in a secure, 24 hour access space, there is also full service operational and IT support available.
Private and co-working workspaces, business concierge spaces, event or conference rooms, and virtual workspaces are available for use. All spaces feature high quality technology, and professional support from the centre.
Memberships (Approx)
- Daily co-working: From $50
- Monthly co-working: From $400
- Monthly office: From $900 per person
- Conference room: From $40/hour
- Virtual office: Unknown.
Customer Review:
Amazing place, if I had the spare cash for some coworking space I'd sign-up just so I can work out of the normal office sometimes - Michael.
Address
727 Collins Street, Docklands
Phone
+61 3 9977 9699
Services
Co working space, private offices, virtual office, meeting rooms.
2. The Commons
Located right in Melbourne CBD’s doorstep, The Commons QV is a popular co-working space with a wide array of amenities. QV is surrounded with incredible food venues and leading retailers. All in less than a one minute walk from Melbourne Central Station and Swanston Street.
The Commons offer event spaces, virtual offices and meeting rooms with a range of capacity options. Their light filled spaces all come equipped with professional staff for support, and high quality technology.
Their membership plans include:
Open Desk - 24 hour access, from $410 per month
Dedicated - 24 hour access, from $680 per month
Private Office - 24 hour access, from $1 750 per month.
Some of their amenities include printing facilities, incredible city views, craft beers and cider, unlimited snacks and refreshments, and a recording lounge.
They also offer scholarships for businesses in the community who may not be able to meet the membership fees!
Such a beautiful office space.
Customer Review:
The Commons QV is an amazing place to work from. Perfectly located in the CBD. Offers all you need. Meeting rooms, kitchens, break-out areas and even coffee is included. The non plus ultra - most amazing members and the best staff you've ever experienced! - Stefanie
Address
3 Albert Coates Lane, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone
1300 848 568
Services
Meeting Rooms, Virtual Offices, Events Spaces, with package options
3. CoWork Me
CoWork Me is an urban, modern space located right on St Kilda Road, a stones throw away from Albert Park and Catani Gardens, less than 5km from Melbourne CBD.
Their Membership services include, Virtual Offices, Flexible Spaces, Permanent Spaces, Secure and Private Offices and Emergency move-in spaces. Memberships are also flexible with no lock-in contracts, and a simple 5 step process to sign up.
Their amenities extend from workspace and personal services, to community ammenities. Their workspace amenities include private offices, front desk service, 24 hour access, high quality technology, onsite parking and an equiped kitchen.
Business discounts, workshops and events, networking events, business support, podcast rooms and an incentive program are all part of their community amenities. There are personal services and relaxation spaces available in the location too.
Some business which offer benefits to members include discounted technology, furniture, workshops food and fitness to name a few.
Customer Reviews
Great space, good people, relaxed networking and good social calendar. Been here coming up 12 months and definitely staying. - Damian
Address
245 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3182
Phone
1300 29 75 75
Services
Virtual Offices, Flexible Spaces, Permanent Spaces, Private Offices
4. Space and Co
Located on the 36th floor of 530 Collins Street, Space and Co is a premium Co Working space, with pristine amenities and facilities.
Right in between Collin street’s ‘Paris End’ and Docklands, the building is easily accessible and surrounded by heritage buildings, transport, restaurants and esteemed retailers.
The building has modern design, with oversized windows, featuring an outdoor balcony and beautiful city skyline views. Further features include a high quality indoor café, four levels of basement parking, and high NABERS energy and water ratings.
Their amenities include, daily cleaning, high speed WiFi, secure storage space, on hand concierge services, mail and package handling, private phone booths, members only kitchen and bar services, top notch showers, and 24 hour accessibility.
Membership Options:
Day Pass, from $60 per person, per day
Casual, from $500 per person, per month
Dedicated Desk, from $1,000 per person, per month
Private Office, price available by enquiry
Customer Reviews:
Excellent space, great facilities, wonderful café, helpful and supportive staff. Thanks for making this a great session for my team. - Michelle C.
Address
Level 3, 530 Collins St, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Phone
+61 3 9922 1209
Services
Casual Workspaces, Permanent Workspaces, Cafè, Office Space
5. Hub Australia Collins Street
Hub Collins Street is a premium co working and office space, located in the George’s Building, right in the Paris End of Collins Street.
Surrounded by iconic heritage buildings, great cafe's, high end retailers and a plethora of shopping. Just a stones throw away from Fitzroy Gardens and great transport.
The Hub offers memberships to sole traders, and teams, for personal or professional work arrangements. All memberships include 24 hour access to facilities, with high speed internet and community events such as professional and personal development events.
Their amenities include a hosted welcome desk, an onsite cafe and exercise studio, bike storage, parent’s spaces, and a members kitchen.
Podcasting and photography studios, meeting and workshop space, and shower facilities are also available. Further space enquiries and contact information can be found on their website.
Monthly Membership Rates:
Flexible, from $400 - 600
Dedicated Desks, from $750 - 850
Office Spaces and Suits, variable pricing.
Customer Reviews:
“Our team love working in Hub. We have grown from a few members to a larger team & we’re grateful for the flexibility as our needs change.” - Sarah
Address
162 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone
1300 482 611
Services
Professional Workspaces, Private Desks, Flexible Desks, Community Events
6. The Cluster
The Cluster is an incredible CoWorking location in 31 Queen Street, which has been operating since 2010. Being Australia’s first CoWorking space, they are known to provide spacious offices, and large desks, filled with natural light.
Their positioning provides a 360 view of the city, overlooking Melbourne and the Yarra. They have been recognised as a leading CoWorking Space by Qantas Magazine, HuffPost, Urban List and Concrete Playground.
With an in house team of IT experts, service staff, and receptionists, all business needs can be arranged for and met comfortably.
Further amenities include 24 hour space access, free coffee and snacks, barista made coffee, a business lounge, unlimited high-speed internet, breakout spaces, shower facilities, storage options, networking events, private phone booths and bike storage.
Their work-spaces and services include private offices, permanent desks, flexible desking, event spaces, meeting rooms and virtual offices. All enquiries can be made through their website or via phone.
Customer Review:
I love working here! I have had a lot of experiences with shared offices and I created one of the first co-working spaces in Austin, Texas. The Cluster is professional, fun, productive and suits my small business perfectly.
I feel happy bringing my clients here, as they are greeted by the amazing receptionists and really taken care of by the team. - Sonya
Address
17, 31 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone
03 9008 5980
Services
Private Offices, Permanent and Flexible Desks, Meeting Rooms, Virtual Offices, Event Spaces
7. YBF Ventures
A modern, well curated co-working space located on Bourke Street - The middle of Melbourne CBD. Incredible restaurants, shopping and retail available right outside their doorstop and easy access to public transport, it’s no wonder over 100 companies utilise this space.
This space is home to the YBF Fintech Hub, YBF Mesh and the first LawTech Hub in Australia.
They design spaces with community, the environment, health and well being in mind. Plants are used around the office for optimum air quality, and environmentally friendly products are used wherever possible. Weekly yoga classes and breakfast is provided for members.
Their amenities include private offices, dedicated desks, high speed internet, YBF support, 24 hour access, shower facilities and community and networking events. Refreshments, breakout areas, bike storage and printing facilities are also included in members perks.
Memberships:
Dedicated desk, from $585 a month
Private Office starting at $750 a month
Part Floor Space, prices available via enquiry
Customer Review:
YBF is a wonderful and enriching co-working space to launch not one, but both of my startups. I have been exposed to incredible minds, ideas and processes from a wealth of experienced small (and large) business owners and entrepreneurs. - Wayne.
Address
Level 2, 520 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone
1300 554 215
Services
CoWorking Spaces, Dedicated Desks, Private Offices, Part Floor Spaces
8. Framework Melbourne
Framework Melbourne is a Co working space located in Carlton, a stones throw away from Melbourne CBD. The space is modern, sleek and filled with indoor plants and natural light.
Surrounded by incredible artisan cafes, hip retailers and speciality stores, close to great transport and beautiful gardens. They were started by a small Melbourne creative agency, Light Creative.
Framework has fostered a sociable and creative community environment, with collaboration, appreciating and listening being a part of their environment.
What makes their environment unique is their open plan floor space, allowing interaction to occur more organically between members. They provide free membership trials for new members to get comfortable in their environment before joining.
Their amenities include high speed WiFi, technologically equipped meeting rooms, whiteboards, storage space, furnished office spaces and rooms and breakout space.
Membership:
Permanent, from $650 per month
Part Time, $200 - 500 per month
Casual, $40 per day
Customer Reviews
‘We have happily been here for over a year. Moving to Framework significantly reduced our overheads, great for a NFP! Plus the collaborative nature of the space has been beneficial for our team and culture.
The professional development and networking opportunities offered are a big plus but best of all - working here is lots of fun!’
Address
Level 1, 458 Swanston Street, Carlton, VIC
Phone
03 9041 2118
Services
Desk Spaces, , Meeting Rooms, Office Spaces
9. Thrive Network
Thrive Network is one of Melbourne’s premium Co-working spaces, located in South Melbourne. They have a beautiful view, and many facilities available for their members to thrive and collaborate in.
Their location is surrounded by great cafés and bars, as well as public transport providing quick trips in and out of the CBD.
They provide desks, private offices, meeting rooms, conference facilities and large spaces for hire.
Their amenities include in house staff, high quality technology, high speed internet, 24 hour facility access and video conferencing facilities.
They also provide kitchen space, personal storage and shower facilities, and parking. Wellness classes, workshops and exclusive community events are also available for members.
Some of their members and partners include the City of Port Philip, Politix and London Creative Agency to name a few.
Membership costs:
Flexible, from $350 per month
Dedicated, from $695 per month
Group Offices, prices upon enquiry
Customer Reviews:
I've seen many offices in my time in Real Estate and for me and my valued clients, this is Melbourne's best co-working space. Perfect central location, amazing state-of-the-art fit-out with the most accommodating and friendly hosts. Could not ask for more. Keep up the great work Fiona and Dan! - Zeno
Address
Levels 2 & 3, 52 Albert Road, South Melbourne, VIC 3205
Phone
0490 536 752
Services
Desk Hire, Private Offices, Meeting Rooms, Conference Facilities
How much do co working spaces cost in Melbourne?
You can expect to pay around $35 - $50 per day for co working spaces. Most people will signup for a monthly package which usually costs around $350 - $500 depending on the provider.
If you use the membership more than 7 or 8 days per month, a monthly membership can work out much cheaper. Often you'll need to agree to 3,6 or 12 months for the best price.
Prices are usually plus GST so if you're not GST registered yet, prices will be 10% more expensive.
Most co-working spaces offer private offices starting at around $900+GST per person per month. Some may be more expensive, others may be cheaper. Some will likely offer discounts for more people, such as a 10 person office.
You'll likely need to pay for any extras such as printing, courier services, telephone calls, conferencing room hire. Most spaces include complimentary internet access, electricity and heating/air conditioning.
Purchasing your own USB printer can save you lots of money.
How long are co working space contracts?
Most co working spaces are flexible and may only require a monthly contract. Others may offer discounts for signing up for 3,6 or 12 months.
For peace of mind you could always go daily and pay as and when you use the facilities.
Do co working spaces offer 24/7 access?
Nearly all the Melbourne providers we reviewed offer 24/7/365 access via swipe card. Most will be staffed during business hours, when you can invite guests to come along.
Outside business hours, you'll be able to use your card to access the floor. Guests may or may not be allowed after hours. Likewise rental of meeting rooms may be restricted.
24/7 access is becoming more and more important for freelancers and small businesses who like to work on their own schedule.
Should I get a co-working space or private office?
Some people prefer the peace and quiet of a private office, while others thrive using a shared environment. Remember, if someone is using their phone in a co-working environment you're going to be part of the call. This can get annoying, especially if you don't have headphones.
Usually a private office is double the price of a shared office space on a monthly contract, so it can be a great option if it's within your budget.
Why get a private office in a co-working space?
Coronavirus is a perfect example of why this office space is becoming increasingly popular. Having your own office requires a long lease (often multiple years) as well as paying rates, your own Internet provider, managing your own IT department and equipment, providing security, managing insurance, fire, water etc.
A co working space offers simple move in and move out options. You pay the monthly fee and any extras and that's it. No additional or unexpected fees. Plus most spaces can customise your office, or offer modifications such as adding a managers breakout room, or standing desks.
Internet is nearly always included and is likely to be a 1Gbps connection, which would cost you thousands to install and pay every month yourself.
Plus most spaces have an on site cafe, allowing your staff to host guests on the floor, rather than going out of the office. Additionally there's video conferencing facilities, conference rooms and shared kitchen facilities.
Bottom line, it's easier, more affordable and doesn't require long term lease contracts.
Now you know the best co working spaces Melbourne has to offer, be sure to checkout our other business related articles.
You may also enjoy:
Related: Melbourne Driving Schools
- 5+ Best Home Mesh WiFi Systems For Better Wireless - May 21, 2022
- 6+ Best Heat Resistant Gloves For The Ultimate Grill - May 21, 2022
- 5+ Best Power Towers For The Ultimate Workout - November 30, 2021
Last Updated: July 13, 2020 by Rhys