The latest in a long line of new co-working hubs has opened its doors in Birmingham city centre.
London-based group x+why has launched the first of two planned flexible workspaces on the Brindleyplace estate, called Foundry, with a second to come at 103 Colmore Row by the end of this year.
They are the company's first outside of the capital and the new base covers 40,000 sq ft across three floors of 6 Brindleyplace.
It contains work areas, breakout and meeting spaces, a coffee shop, an atrium with a mural designed by local street artist Lucy M and amenities including Peloton bikes and changing facilities.
The operator is also planning a regular calendar of events for users of the venue.
x+why said it was aiming for Foundry to be as green and ethical as possible including having living roofs and energy-efficient lighting while the coffee being served is supplied by Kings Heath-based Gorilla Coffee.
This latest launch adds to a growing family of flexible and co-working hubs in Birmingham city centre in what many believe is a shift away from traditional offices leases and working practices following the covid pandemic.
Spaces is putting the finishing touches to a new 50,000 sq ft base on the ground floor of the Mailbox while Derby-based Cubo opened its first West Midlands hub in Two Chamberlain Square this month.
They will join established players such as Regus, WeWork and many others both in the core business area as well as city districts such as Digbeth and Jewellery Quarter alongside the wider suburbs.
Chief executive Rupert Dean said: "I am blown away by the Birmingham business community.
"There is such an appetite to work together and usher in a new, exciting, economy that is kinder to the planet and to the people living on it.
"It's why we are taking inspiration from the community itself to create Foundry, a space that will live, breathe and grow with its Birmingham members acting as the beating heart.
"We're proud of what we've created but, more so, proud of what will be achieved in the space by its exciting members."
