Freedom Works has signed a 15-year partnership turnover lease with landlord Brighton & Hove City Council for 16,323 sq ft of space at Bartholomew House.
A symbolic moment for the operator, this marks the tenth site for the South Coast-based business, which provides affordable and supportive spaces for its members.
Freedom Works was selected as the preferred partner to provide in-demand space and was represented by HEWN. Avison Young acted for Brighton & Hove City Council.
The remit from the council was to not only deliver an income stream, but work with an operator who would ensure the latest workspace to open in central Brighton to be affordable for the residents, and encourage economic growth and support.
The initiative is repurposing two floors into 40 separate offices to cater for teams of 2 to 70 and coworking space for those wishing to hot desk in the heart of the Laines, whilst leaving enough space for the council to deliver its service in their new hybrid office and working styles. The site is opening this month, with day passes starting at £22.50 and private desks from £250 a month (plus VAT).
In addition to physical office space, Freedom Works will also help provide crucial links and networking opportunities for local businesses and communities to enable them to collaborate, grow and thrive.
John Trigg at Freedom Works said: “This is a momentous occasion for our business as this is our tenth site. Our focus will be to create affordable office space, as well as hot desking for the businesses and entrepreneurs of Brighton & Hove.
“We’ll continue to deliver our partnership of delivering business support through relationships like Barclays Eagle Labs, into the Brighton site, providing a supportive environment for our members.”
Councillor Jacob Taylor, deputy leader and lead for finance, added: “This exciting new workspace in the thriving heart of the city provides an excellent opportunity for businesses.
“Our partnership with Freedom Works will create needed workspace in the city and support local economic growth while also providing the council with a new source of income.
“Local government finances across the country continue to be under strain as we struggle with rising inflation, increased demand and real-term cuts to our core funding by central government.
“It’s by adopting innovative approaches to generating income we can protect front-line council services while supporting local economic growth and also adding social value enabling diverse local businesses and communities to flourish.
“I look forward to visiting the new workspace and seeing how it benefits Brighton & Hove businesses in the community.”
