Inside Victoria’s Largest Coworking Space

Image: Hub Australia CEO and Founder Brad Krauskopf

Coworking pioneer Hub Australia has recently opened Victoria’s largest coworking space, Hub Southern Cross, in Melbourne.

Designed by award winning international design practice Hassell, the new landmark location has tripled Hub’s footprint in Melbourne, and occupies 3,900 square metres and two floors of the historic Mail Exchange building on the corner of Spencer and Bourke streets.

The flagship Hub Southern Cross coworking space leverages years of learning by Hub Australia, combined with design-driven, state of the art facilities that have traditionally been the domain of large corporates.

Hub Australia CEO and Founder Brad Krauskopf, said that since Hub Australia’s launch in 2011, the coworking industry has rapidly evolved.

“From origins supporting freelancers, coworking spaces are now attracting small and medium-sized business who are flocking to enjoy the business benefits of being part of a coworking community and the flexibility to choose a space which suits the stage of their business growth.

“We are privileged to be at the forefront of the coworking evolution, helping our members and their businesses grow, and we look forward to seeing this continue in a new business home at Hub Southern Cross.”

Providing space for up to 700 members, Hub Southern Cross has a variety of areas for 1 to 20 person teams that includes private offices, open plan dedicated and flexible seating, and for larger company members, bespoke spaces that can be customised to suit.

There will also be more than 20 differently styled bookable meeting spaces, ranging from two person to a 14 person cutting-edge boardroom with the latest technology presentation and conference facilities.

Other key features onsite include 400Mb internet, a 50+ seat café, a gym, bike parking, relaxation space, media room, hundreds of plants, a member gallery and an event space for up to 100 people.

Hassell Principal Sean Bett said the design embodies the creative energy and openness of Hub Australia’s organisation, the tenants and the coworking movement overall.

“The design celebrates the heritage building and features curated pieces to create a comforting sense of belonging and a home-like feel - it’s a home where businesses can grow.

"The space is vibrant and varied to appeal to a wide range of Hub Australia members who can choose from a range of working spaces, including communal kitchen tables and enclosed studios,” he said.

Amongst the new tenants of Hub Southern Cross is global leader in workspace solutions Steelcase, which also provided innovative furniture for Hub Southern Cross, as well as a further 300 members encompassing growing small and medium businesses across a variety of sectors including creative, professional services and tech start ups.

By the end of this year, Hub Australia will support 1,000 workers in Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide to grow their businesses and is actively working to strengthen its member offering with a new member platform to better connect members, enhanced programming with partners focused on growing businesses and expansion to other sites around Australia.

The new Hub Southern Cross is located at 696 Bourke Street, Melbourne with extensive transport links including Southern Cross Station across the road and the Spencer Street/Bourke Street tram stop servicing routes 86 and 96 on its doorstep.