Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Councillor Bernadene Voss has officially opened CoWork Me, a purpose designed 500-member coworking space in the heart of St Kilda. 

Located within a thriving cultural and business district of greater Melbourne, CoWork Me is a stone’s throw from Melbourne CBD and St Kilda beach. The official opening brought together CoWork Members, business leaders, and local city council. 

During the ceremony, CoWork Me members shared some of their coworking experiences. One of CoWork Me’s first members, Edem Badu, the creative director of Studio Badu, shared how her business has grown through relationships she has cultivated in the space. Paul Mcgee, the cofounder of Array, discussed the “Pick My Project” grant that he applied for in conjunction with CoWork Me to develop the St Kilda Start-Up Collective which will provide early stage startups and small businesses resources required to succeed. 

Scott McLaughlin, Head of Partnerships & Channel Development at AGL examined strategies to developing collaborative relationships which included: self awareness, belief in mutuality, curiosity, conviction, optimism, and faith and conviction. 

Mayor of the City of Port Phillip, Councillor Bernadene Voss, shared her enthusiasm and excitement for the space and the opportunities that it can bring to the city of Port Phillip. She also mentioned that as an entrepreneur herself, she understands the importance of and value in developing collaborative relationships through coworking.

Benefits of flexible work spaces

The new St Kilda building has been architecturally specifically designed for the coworking community, with a mix of spaces that make sense for flexible coworking, shared recreation spaces, onsite cafe Close Quarters, and essentials like shower and kitchen facilities and parking. The building is close to transport options and a car service is also available for the 15-minute drive to the CBD.

CoWork Me takes care of behind-the-scenes office maintenance, including utilities bills, cleaning and other admin tasks so that start ups and small businesses have more time to focus on growing their businesses.

More from The Business Conversation:

Fortitude Valley’s ‘The Precinct’ drives collaboration to generate business

Mentorloop: The mentoring software platform helping organisations develop more engaged, skilled and sustainable workforces

Real Entrepreneur Mums is transforming Australian small business during school hours