If you’re a freelancer, solopreneur or startup in the fintech industry and are considering an office in Australia, you’ll be happy to know that as of this year, the country has become a fintech powerhouse. Thanks to its regulatory stability, geographic proximity and already-established business and cultural ties with Asian countries, Australia is now also the number 2 location for fintech businesses and startups in the Asia-Pacific region. Although many startups choose to set up shop in Sydney, Melbourne is favoured as it has the highest concentration of coworking spaces. So if you’re looking to make the 2nd most populous city in Australia your home base, here are locations for a coworking space in Melbourne you can choose from:
Melbourne CBD
As the city’s Central Business District, placing your office here is a logical choice. A coworking space in Melbourne CBD would put you in an enviable position, as it would spare you from a lengthy commute and transportation costs as you introduce yourself to new clients. Coworking spaces here include big names like Regus, WeWork, Servcorp and JustCo. Regus sites are on Collins Street, Flinders and Bourke. WeWork sites are also on Collins, along with branches in Exhibition St., Elizabeth St. and Spencer. Servcorp has sites on Collins as well as the Riverside Quay, while JustCo’s sites are on William St. and Flinders.
Your potential and current clients can also benefit since they won’t have far to travel and meet you at your coworking space. Apart from these work benefits, this location has a lot to offer you and your employees’ well-being. Melbourne CBD has a lot of attractions, recreational spots and a lively street art scene that offers actual tours. Even if you won’t have to commute much if you decide on a coworking space here, you can’t help but notice its beautiful train stations. You also won’t lack food choices as you can go to nearby Queen Victoria Market.
Collingwood
Collingwood is another location worth considering. With its rich heritage, a coworking space in Collingwood would put you close to the historic Melbourne Stock Exchange, the first stock market in Australia to open in 1859. Choose from coworking spaces like The Hive at Rupert St., Redbox Studios on Langridge St. and Spaces at Gipp St.
As in central Melbourne, Collingwood has its share of art galleries, but this eclectic suburb is more renowned for its music scene. Imagine that after work, you and your colleagues can go to live music venues that host a wide range of music genres. Collingwood even hosts a summer music festival that brings all kinds of music together. After watching any of these performances, you can always hit the pubs for a pint, enjoy a glass of wine at a swanky restaurant or just hang out at a cafe.
Fitzroy
Fitzroy is the name of a street and is also a lively suburb worth a look for its multi-cultural, bohemian vibe. There are many vegan restaurants, hip bars and quirky boutiques that offer all sorts of vintage items.
You’ll notice many street art pieces and installations – proof of how Fitzroy cemented Melbourne as one of the world’s largest cities known for its street art. There are several eclectic coworking spaces in Fitzroy like Rotson Studios on Victoria St., Neighbourhood Coworking on Fitzroy and Hanover St. and Freedom Suites on Fitzroy and Gertrude St.. These can appeal to the more creative type of entrepreneur or startup. In this locale, you need only look around to find creative inspiration and spark your imagination.
South Melbourne
If you like to work close to the beach, then choose to set up in a coworking space in South Melbourne. You can choose from sites like The Arcade on Kings Way, Dimension5 on Dorcas St. and The Thrive Network on Albert Road. This suburb has access to South Melbourne Beach and is touted by locals to have a Florida-like vibe.
There are plenty of palm trees, rollerbladers and dog-walkers so it’s easy to mistake this place for that famous US state. What gives South Melbourne away is its many fish-and-chip shops and pubs where you can enjoy a pint and the splendid sunset. South Melbourne is probably the only suburb with the oldest Chinese temple, the See Yup Temple which was built in 1856.
South Yarra
A coworking space in South Yarra will place you in a more upscale suburb that faces the Yarra River. Holding offices in this area is ideal if you’re the outdoorsy type and like to have a lot of watersports to choose from.
You can set up shop at Regus on Chapel St. then go boating, fishing, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, swimming or even waterskiing. You can also enjoy plenty of activities along its banks and go for a jog, do some cycling or just savour a leisurely walk. You can take a tour of the historic Como House, a restored property that gives tourists a glimpse into Melbourne’s past.
Prahran
Those who crave vibrant nightlife might want to find a coworking space in Prahran. Located between the suburb of Windsor and South Yarra, Prahran offers a diverse milieu comprising Southeast Asian eateries, swanky bars and clubs that operate until the wee hours. Why not hold office at the JustCo at Flinders St. or Spaces at the T&G building, then enjoy what this suburb has to offer?
These popular hotspots for coworking spaces in Melbourne have something for everyone. The trick is to choose the location based on your preferences for housing, lifestyle choices and of course, your budget. Contact us and we’ll help you find the perfect coworking space for you.
Enterprise software development experience. More recently in positions including CTO, Lead Developer and Head of Product in Australia. Deep expertise in property and legal technology in Australia with a specialty in lead generation and tech scalability across Asia-Pacific.