- UK-based Central Working has announced the launch of two new workspaces, based in Reading and Slough.
- The new Reading location will be Central Working’s 10th workspace hub, designed to support digital innovation within the city.
- The new spaces will connect the over 550 new members with Central Working’s network of 3,500 companies across the UK.
Workspace pioneer Central Working has today announced a new centre for tech and innovation in R+ at the heart of Reading city centre. Central Working Reading will launch in June, alongside a new club in neighbouring Slough, both within easy distance to an existing Central Working club in Paddington.
As Central Working’s tenth location, and fourth outside London, the club will support Reading’s growth as a key UK digital hub. Home to a wealth of multinational companies including Microsoft, Oracle and Cisco systems, Reading’s digital economy has gone from strength to strength in recent years. At least one startup launched in the city every day in 2016, while tech businesses had a collective turnover of £12.5bn in the same year.
With ten clubs operating across the UK, Central Working has tapped into remarkable growth by creating supportive, nurturing workspaces across the country. Central Working success stories include Just Eat and cloud communications platform Twilio, which debuted on the New York Stock Exchange in 2016.
Central Working Reading will connect the city’s growing business community with Central Working’s network of 3,500 companies across the country, providing the city with new links to the UK’s enterprise and tech community.
The new Reading club, located directly adjacent to Reading Railway station, will serve more than 250 entrepreneurs when launched in June. Catering to high-growth start-ups and SMEs, members will benefit from excellent transport links, including to Heathrow and the new incoming Crossrail line opening in 2019, as well as access to the wider Central Working network across the UK.
Alongside Reading, Central Working will be opening another site, Central Working Slough, a new hub for enterprise and innovation. Launched at The Future Works in Slough in June, Central Working Slough will provide space for 350 entrepreneurs, startups and established businesses.
Grant Powell, Central Working CEO, said: “Reading is a major player in the South East’s digital economy, and this site is set to become a hub for the city’s thriving tech and enterprise community. The city has proven itself an amazing platform for ambitious businesses and we’re excited to build on this, providing a nurturing environment for growing businesses from across Thames Valley.”
“The digital economy is driven by connections, and Central Working’s raison d’etre is forging valuable links between businesses to spur rapid growth. Reading is set to benefit massively from the increased connectivity offered by Crossrail, and this location will become a gateway between Reading and other tech clusters in London and around the UK.”
The letting agents for Reading’s R+ are Savills, Bray Fox Smith and Lambert Smith Hampton.
Robert Pearson of Savills, said: “The recent improvements at R+ have contributed to these two important lettings at the building. We are pleased with the diverse range of tenants that has been attracted to the scheme, incorporating a listed company and an exciting new coworking concept. Central Working has a proven track record in creating thriving, supportive entrepreneurial hubs, and we’re confident this site will play a key role as Reading continues to evolve into one of most dynamic tech clusters.”
Tom Fletcher, Director at Lambert Smith Hampton, commented “The Central Working letting is significant for several reasons. It brings the company that pioneered modern, contemporary workspace to Reading and this alone reflects very well on Reading and R+.
Furthermore, the auditorium and meeting room facilities will further enhance the building’s amenities alongside the new business lounge and concierge services. Lastly, in a time when corporates are using flexible workspaces like Central Working, for swing space and to connect more closely with SMEs, this letting further increases the opportunity at R+.”
