Well to host free co-working space

PLANS for the Shire’s first co-working space have been unveiled.

Set for The Well at Smythesdale, and to be known as the Digital Hub, the planned communal office facilities are modelled on others around the world and targeted at Shire residents running small businesses, or those in need of a place to work away from the office.

The best part is the workspaces will be offered for free for the first 12 months.

“The new Digital Hub will be a modern and accessible co-workspace for local people who work in the Shire and local businesses who need an extra helping hand as they work hard to recover and rebuild following the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby.

The co-working space will be located in the Jubilee Room at The Well, with current users being helped by the Shire to find new facilities.

As part of preparations for the Digital Hub internet access at the site has already been upgraded.

Now the Shire would like to hear from potential users of the planned space about what other amenities they would like to see installed.

That could include things like private offices, meeting rooms, and sound proofed spaces for video conferences, phone calls and podcast creation.

A survey is currently running until 23 March and seeking feedback on the Digital Hub plan, while there’s also open houses at The Well planned for Thursday, 18 March between 4pm and 6pm, and Saturday, 20 March from 10am to 12pm.

“The Well is the perfect place to bring people together, with digital upgrades and new technology that will make the Shire’s first co-working space a great success,” Cr Kirby said.

“We look forward to hearing from future users about the wants and needs they have for the space and we encourage local people to stop by at the Digital Hub open houses.”

The co-working space plan is partly being funded by the State Government and is one of the Shire’s “priority projects.”

Cr Kirby said making access and use of the space for free was all about supporting local businesses and workers post-pandemic.

“Council is pleased to make the Digital Hub free for Shire residents and businesses in the first year, as part of our COVID-19 business support measures, with this important project strengthening employment options and career development in Golden Plains,” she said.

Once opened access to the Digital Hub would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The new offering has a targeted opening date of mid-2021.

Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au for more info or to take part in the survey.