A new flexible workspace is to be converted from a vacant retail unit in Brighton’s Churchill Square Shopping Centre, enabling workers to spend their time in convenient and productive locations.
IWG will convert a unit vacated by JD Sports in 2020 in the Churchill Square Shopping Centre, which is managed by landlord abrdn, into a 7,000 sq. ft centre featuring a mix of co-working spaces and meeting rooms. JD Sports continues to trade in a larger unit elsewhere within Churchill Square.
The centre is centrally located, within walking distance of Brighton’s main train station, beach and other amenities including shops, restaurants and bars. Churchill Square is the principal shopping location of central Brighton. Featuring over 70 shops, restaurants and cafes, the centre is open 7 days a week and features something for all potential visitors. The site is IWG’s third location in Brighton and opens following an increase in demand from workers for hybrid work solutions.
IWG’s footfall data for the first half of 2022 shows a strong rise of people working from IWG locations – up 33 per cent in June 2022 compared to January 2022. Footfall in IWG’s other Brighton sites are also performing strongly, with a 35 per cent total rise in visitors over the past six months. The opening of the new site in the centre of Brighton will help ensure the continued vibrancy of the city centre through reactivating disused spaces, stimulating economic activity and helping the city recover from the impact of the pandemic.
The opening marks another milestone in converting former retail locations following the successful launch of Spaces the Mailbox in Birmingham earlier this year. IWG is committed to offering world-class flexible workspace facilities at employees’ doorsteps, reducing their commutes and supporting hybrid working. The opening of Spaces Brighton Churchill Square follows IWG’s successful partnership with supermarket Tesco, providing shared workspaces inside retail stores.
The expansion of flexible workspaces inside retail locations plays a vital role within IWG’s growth strategy. As more people are choosing to work in ways that suit their lifestyles, prioritising the importance of convenience and flexibility, IWG is further expanding to meet this demand, and plans to open 1,000 new centres in 2022 alone.
Mark Dixon, CEO & Founder of IWG, commented: “For several decades, we have been at the forefront of hybrid work empowering people to work more productively and conveniently. We are delighted to expand in Brighton, continuing to support residents as they seek ways to work productively and flexibly.
“Brighton is a vibrant city and by opening this new centre we are happy to play a part in revitalising disused spaces, generating economic activity and creating better solutions which support hybrid working”.
Mark Buchanan-Smith, Centre Director for Churchill Square said: “In light of the rapidly growing demand for hybrid work solutions, we are excited to adapt one of our spaces to meet the evolving needs of local people looking for a professional place to work. Brighton is a vibrant hub, with Churchill Square centrally placed to offer a convenient place to shop, dine and now work in close proximity to Brighton’s other attractions”.
