Freedom Works – Comes to Hastings
Co-working and flexible workspace solutions business ‘Freedom Works’ has recently opened it’s 9th business space ‘The Palace Workspace’ in the iconic former Debenhams Building in Hastings Town Centre.
Freedom Works have been creating and operating modern and flexible workspaces since its inception in 2016, with an ethos of creating space where like-minded souls could work together, create opportunities to network and collaborate and not have to travel too far from home to get there.
Over the last few years demand for flexible workspace has been growing exponentially, as businesses adopt a more hybrid way of working, with workers from home or remote locations, often more so than in their registered office. This had led many to consider downsizing their premises, and turning to managed workspaces to retain that community feel, and to benefit from shorter leases during what is described as uncertain times. This trend is projected to only increase in the coming years, and with office space at an all-time low in Hastings, it is a welcome addition to the area.
Freedom Works was created when owner Jon Trigg recognised that historically, cool, and affordable workspace was fairly commonplace in inner cities, but was virtually non-existent in smaller provincial towns, resulting in business professionals having to travel long distances via car or train to find premises suitable for their needs.
To resolve this, he set about creating workspaces that would be ideal for the different needs of small, growing businesses.
Offering serviced offices, hot desks, permanent desks, virtual offices and meeting rooms for a set monthly fee or via a token system, businesses and workers can enjoy a professional environment without the pressure of long leases and contracts. The spaces themselves are designed to be open and bright, with lots of natural light, and cosy breakout zones to meet other tenants and enjoy a nice warm cuppa and a biscuit!
Already running similar co-working spaces in Worthing, Hove, Chichester, Gatwick, Southampton, Lancing and Crawley with over 4000 members, Freedom Works have a proven track record of success in bringing businesses together, which is sure to continue at the new Hastings site.
There are serviced offices etc in London and big cities but there wasn’t anything like that in smaller towns, and I thought, why should businesses have to travel long distances on the train or in the car to find affordable, flexible, workspace.”
Jon Trigg, Owner, Freedom Works
Taking on 3 floors in the building previously occupied by Debenhams on Robertson Street, Hastings, Freedom Works has already opened up 10,000 sq ft of commercial space, with another 5,000 sq ft coming in 2023, in an ideal spot in the middle of Hastings Town Centre.
It has been a challenging development, with refit costs rising repeatedly; putting intense pressure on the team who were working to tight deadlines and with set budgets to meet, but Jon has been delighted with the support he has received from the local council, businesses and community.
“It’s a great use for a disused building, and we’ve only had positive feedback from people that we’ve spoken to. Hastings Borough Council have been very supportive, and have provided grant funding as part of the Hastings Town Deal, and Let’s Do Business Finance have also helped us with financing the project.”
Jon Trigg, Owner, Freedom Works
Opening in Sept 2022, ‘The Palace Workspace’ is already home to 58 business members, and is expected to be at 60% capacity by January, and is reported to be the fastest filling space across the Freedom Works portfolio.
Founding members include
Let’s Do Business Group – Business support services and finance
Choice Words – Copywriting service
Play Sport – Sports participation and facilities management
Goldstar – IT consultancy
Supply Train – Recruitment
Looking towards the future, Freedom Works have large dreams, the main one being
To have the first co-working space on the moon
It’s ambitious, but they have made a start after receiving an acre on the moon for a 6th birthday present! However, the main focus for now is ensuring their members are receiving the best service possible.
