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With new serviced offices and flexible workspaces opening all the time it’s exciting when a new development is a little out of the ordinary. The team at Grangewood Investments Ltd are developing a new and inspiring workspace using shipping containers in Loughton, Essex called Cr@te. Following their transformation of a former Vauxhall car servicing building (now known as Grangewood House) to create outstanding new flexible workspace, the team are hoping this new concept that will open in Q4 2016, will be an industry leading concept outside Central London. The Cr@te development is set to inspire entrepreneurs and new business owners in an unusual workspace that benefits from great transport links.
The concept of using shipping containers first emerged around 15 years ago as far afield as Tokyo, Australia, Rhode Island and even in Docklands where the Container City project first opened in 2005, closely followed by the impressive Riverside Building Offices. Home to 24 individual offices near the Thames, they quickly filled up.
Grangewood have put together a clever scheme that uses 36 shipping containers to create 36 unique and individual workspaces. Loughton is already a highly popular business destination, helped by easy access to the M11 and two Central line stations linking Loughton with Stratford and Liverpool Street, which will have the added benefit of Crossrail from 2018.
An important benefit of the Cr@te development is the creation of a thriving business community. With attractive rates, Grangewood believe they have created an ideal solution to coax entrepreneurs out of their home offices and bedrooms and in to a workspace that allows them to network with like-minded business owners.
With design now an important factor in the development of new workspace, the team at Grangewood have taken time to design spaces that will provide inspiration to the businesses that use them. Each Cr@te benefits from lots of light from the use of full height windows and doors and some great amenities like on-site Costa Coffee, great Wi-Fi and really useful services like bike storage and showers.
Adam Walker, director at Grangewood Investments Ltd, commented, “Cr@te is rapidly becoming a destination for innovation and those priced out of Central London. Cr@te is not your usual sterile office block. We are seeking to pack in talent, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, all with a buzzing social soul”.
Lee Grodent, Founder and CEO at Loc8 Commercial supported Grangewood offering advice about the local market. Commenting on the Cr@te concept Lee said, “Loc8 are delighted to be helping Grangewood fill their exciting new development. Back in 2014 we helped to identify a lack of serviced office space in Loughton and the surrounding areas and advised Grangewood to create a number of office suites to offer Start-Up’s and SME’S good quality serviced office space. Following a £2 million pound refurbishment, Grangewood House opened in June 2015 and was 100% occupied within 3 months. We advised Grangewood on a number of factors including licence agreements, office sizes and I.T. Their latest new development will create a very unique workspace which is just thirty minutes from the City”.
As the development progresses, Cr@te will be releasing updates and sharing details about the newest business community in Essex as it takes shape.
About Loc8 Commercial
Loc8 Commercial help businesses by working with worldwide, national and independent providers of serviced offices, managed offices, virtual offices and the growing number of Co-working locations to find the right flexible workspace solution for you. We’re impartial so you’re guaranteed to get the right advice to suit your budget, location requirements and business needs. Loc8 Commercial has over 20 years of experience in the global office space market.
