Media Release: Work to begin on a co-working ...

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Local home-based and small businesses will benefit from a vibrant new co-working business hub located at MC Square Doncaster from mid-next year.

Manningham Council is investing $1.6 million from the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 Council Budgets to redevelop existing, underutilised space to create a high-end, well-resourced and accessible work destination for local business operators.

Recent studies show that, while demand for co-working environments has grown post-COVID, there is a significant shortage of available spaces in the eastern region.

An estimated 80 per cent of all registered Manningham businesses are home-based and Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange said the hub will play an important role in supporting these businesses.

"We know there are significant, proven benefits to co-working spaces, including opportunities to grow your networks, collaborate with other entrepreneurs and access professional high-end facilities without the usual overhead," Cr Lange said.

"Small business owners and operators are a crucial part of our local economy and we are passionate about helping them to succeed. Our new co-working business hub will be an investment in the future of small business," the Mayor added.

The development and operation of the co-working business hub is a Council Plan 2021-2025 priority and a key part of the Economic Development Strategy 2023-2028.

The Hub will be a contemporary space with everything on hand, including day and evening networking and upskilling events and a virtual receptionist, enabling members to have a dedicated business address for correspondence.

Filled with natural light, the space overlooks the leafy environment of Doncaster and beyond to the mountains. A vibrant café space downstairs provides a place for coffee and chats with clients and business connections.

The hub will also feature Council's Business Concierge service, providing dedicated support to establish and grow your business. The project is expected to be delivered in July 2025, with capacity for 30-40 individuals.

"Council will consult with our local business owners and our friends at the Manningham Business Network throughout the hub's development, to ensure we are delivering the best possible space for local commerce to thrive," Cr Lange said.

MC Square, as a modern Council facility bringing together a range of other services, is an ideal location for the co-working space.

MC Square will undergo a revitalisation in the coming months, to become a space where different areas of the community can come together with a common purpose.

In addition to the co-working hub, the upgrade includes plans for refreshed internal branding and wayfinding, a new youth hub and redeveloped library facility.

Business owners will have the opportunity to check out the co-working business hub prior to redevelopment alongside the project architect in the coming months.

Follow @ManninghamCouncil or keep an eye on manningham.vic.gov.au for more information.