The Lock co-working space at Grand Union

07/04/2025

Co-working spaces offer a blend of flexibility, community and convenience. We explore how they’re changing the way we live and work. And we share expert tips for how to be super productive.

Working from home or remotely offers us the kind of flexibility and freedom we never thought possible just a few years ago. Whether it’s channelling your productivity and creativity into a schedule that suits you or simply offering the opportunity to live wherever you like, not bound by the commute.

It’s hardly surprising, then, that figures from a recent survey of adults in the UK by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) revealed over seven days: 15% worked from home and didn’t travel to work; 37% didn’t work from home and travelled to work; and 26% both worked from home and travelled to work. Clearly, post-pandemic, we’re a nation that likes the best of both worlds, with hybrid and home working now the ‘new-normal’ for many of us.

Of course, working from your living room or bedroom doesn’t suit everyone. Depending on your circumstances, it can be even more distracting than being in the office, whether partners, kids or pets. While some of us like to have a physical separation between work and play or to bounce ideas off others. All of which explains why there’s been a boom in the popularity of co-working spaces, which straddle the divide. Even better if they are just moments from your front door. 

The Benefits of our Co-working Spaces 

To cater to those who prefer a sense of community without the need to rent separate offices or meeting rooms, we offer shared workspaces for residents in many of our developments, from London and Berkshire to Kent and beyond. “They provide an ideal setting for productivity or a refreshing alternative to working from home,” says Claudette Gomes, Berkeley Group’s Estates Manager – East London, who manages the facilities in South Quay Plaza in Canary Wharf.

South Quay Plaza’s Harcourt Tower hosts two modern co-working spaces and a tranquil iGarden. It’s all about the details with ergonomic chairs and high bar tables and armchairs for more informal seating. A bookable meeting room enables residents to host guests for meetings in an ‘office’ environment closer to home, while experiencing remarkable views of the city.

“These spaces have been designed to enhance residents’ living experience, providing a blend of functionality, comfort and enjoyment. Since opening, they have been in high demand by our residents and are almost never seen empty,” says Claudette.

Work-life Balance

Shared workspaces are a great way for solopreneurs and freelancers to network with neighbours, as well as help create the right work-life balance. At Oakhill in Hildenborough, Kent, a new gated community set in 30 acres of lush countryside, The Residents’ Club means those who live in the development, can literally roll out of bed in the morning and be in a professional environment within minutes.

There’s a coffee station for helping you get that all-important hit of energy, two bookable meeting rooms with TVs for Zooms and plenty of open-plan workspace or more private work areas. Centrally located among the apartments, the workspace also has a gym for working up a sweat during your lunch hour – complete with changing facilities – and a cinema room for chilling out after work. 

Elsewhere, Alexandra Gate in Hornsey has new flexible workspaces in the Park Club for residents to work from; Horlicks Quarter in Slough offers a stylish co-working hub inside the restored clocktower on the rooftop and The Eden Club at Eden Grove, Staines-upon-Thames, includes a co-working space alongside a gymnasium, spin studio and wellness garden.

While The Lock at Grand Union in Wembley has all the amenities of a professional office with all the luxury of a private members’ club (think neon signage, metro-tile walls, Smeg fridge and leather sofas) but without the commute. Need a private space? Residents can step into dedicated Zoom rooms for confidential meetings or a quiet escape.

Over in Hendon, Silkstream – a new low-carbon, nature-rich neighbourhood – will offer a hub in the form of The Silk Club, which comprises a co-working area, meeting rooms, video booths, beverage station, modern gym, fitness studio and screening rooms. A connection to nature is proven to increase motivation and productivity, and the outdoor terrace has been designed to overlook the public park – perfect for coffee breaks. 

Still prefer to work within your home, at least some of the time? Select four- and five-bedroom houses at Abbey Barn Park in High Wycombe, Winterbrook Meadows in Oxfordshire and Sunningdale Park in Berkshire have been designed with dedicated home offices or studies, all ready for you to kit out to suit your working life. (See How to make your home office a sanctuary.)

Expert Tips for Working Remotely

So how can you get the best out of working remotely? “With planning and preparation, there’s no reason why you can’t be just as productive as in the office,” says Juliet Landau-Pope, productivity coach and author of What’s Your Excuse for Not Being More Productive?

“Structure your day – assign a time to get started and decide when to down tools, as well as letting clients and colleagues know when you’re available – as boundaries are key. Create a morning routine that involves exercises, meditating or going for a walk. Remember to get outdoors: it’s not ideal for your physical or mental health to be cooped up all day,” says Juliet.

“If you’re prone to procrastination, try the Pomodoro method, which involves three 25-minute stints of concentrated effort interspersed with five-minute breaks.

“Check in with colleagues regularly and make yourself accountable. Share a specific time-based goal – let them know what you intend to do and when you’ll do it.

“Or try body-doubling – a popular technique that involves buddying up with another person, either online or in person, to keep you company while you tackle a particular task,” concludes Juliet.

And, of course, being in the right space won’t make it feel like work at all.

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