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There are many pros to being a freelancer; it truly is one of the best decisions I ever made. However, like with all good things, there is the odd downside, and with me, that has to be from time to time the feeling of isolation. I’ve always maintained that my home office will be my main office however when loneliness sets in I love to venture to a local co-working space to hang with fellow creatives.
I love the idea of co-working spaces; not only are you able to use your creativity in an environment designed specifically to enhance it, but you are also surrounded by other like-minded individuals. The feeling of collaboration that comes with working in these types of environments really benefits my productivity, and gets rid of that lone wolf aspect of the job for a while!
Personally, I had a really poor co-working experience in my local city of Wakefield which led me out to the more Digitally minded Leeds to check out a few more spaces. I still believe home working is where I get my best work done however there are times when bouncing ideas off other creatives is incredibly important for your growth as a freelancer.
So if you have found yourself looking around for a more varied work experience, I have picked out my top six favourite co-working spaces that I have found across the vibrant city of Leeds!
#1 The Greenhouse, meanwood, leeds
Ok i’ll admit it I have a real softspot for the Greenhouse. 1: It’s the type of co working space id love to own myself and 2: I used to live in Meanwood after I completed my degree in Leeds.
The Greenhouse is a creative co-working space for freelance designers, developers, photographers and academics. The bright and friendly space is filled with leafy plants, relaxing tunes and beautiful décor, creating a vibrant, welcoming backdrop for focused work, tea-drinking and community events.
What’s also great about The Greenhouse co working space is the flexibility with desk options. You can hot desk at just £10 a day or £85 monthly (2.5 days a week access) or you can grab a permanent desk on a part/full time basis for just £98/£195 a month respectively. They also offer a ton of workshops, mini events and more. The Greenhouse really does feel like a real community!
If you’re living in North Leeds and want a co working space where you will feel welcomed then The Greenhouse is the one for you. Great prices, wonderful atmosphere and so much more.
If that isn’t enough to grab your attention, check out what’s included in a full time membership.
FEATURES:
- 24/7 access
- 500mp fibre-optic wifi
- All bills included
- Free tea and coffee
- Kitchen storage
- Free little library
- Free printing
- Local discounts
- Register your business
- Post received, signed for & processed
Check out their website for more information or follow them on Twitter & Instagram.
#2 Lightspace Collective
If you are looking for a home away from home setup, then Lightspace Collective may be just up your street! While their aim is to target those on the creative spectrum, from tattoo artists all the way to wedding planners, there will undoubtedly be a nook or cranny there for you!
The décor of Lightspace Collective is super minimalist with a real industrial feel to it, but what really makes this place stand out for me is the homely twist they have put on the place. With two resident dogs and your own (well-behaved) dog’s welcome, there is a nice laid back and almost cosy feel to the space.
In terms of facilities, Lightspace has everything you would need for a productive working environment, from super-speed Internet to a perfect location (just a short walk from Leeds city centre!).
If that isn’t enough to grab your attention, check this out:
FEATURES:
- Free Parking
- 24/7 access
- Shower facilities
- Kitchen
- 20% off local coffee house
- Flexible & affordable
- All bills included
There are no prices featured on the website, however, there is a clear message that their whole ethos centres around an affordable and flexible collaborative workspace, so you can expect reasonable fees to apply.
Would highly recommend to anyone wanting a central spot to collaborate with others, or simply just get on with personal projects in an inspiring environment!
#3 Workspace Hub
If modern and crisp is your style, Workspace Hub based inside one of the most popular Grade A office buildings in Leeds could be the one for you! Situated in Northgate and close to the city centre, Workspace Hub provides a flexible approach to freelancing.
With a range of facilities to suit your needs, from hot-desking to meeting spaces, and even a virtual office – this space really caters for all sorts of businesses. With a super clean and airy interior, Workspace Hub provides a fresh place to spark new ideas.
A co-working desk here will set you back £200 pcm, and situates within an open plan office with other like-minded professionals around for that sense of inspiration and collaboration.
There is even the option to plug & go, so if you don’t want to commit to anything long-term, just £30 will provide you with 20 hours a week access to your own desk!
FEATURES:
- Virtual Office (includes 2 hours use per month of the meeting space free of charge)
- Meeting space
- Hot-desk/professional office
- Chill out lounge
- Access to their partner’s services at a special Workspace Hub rate.
A great space to do some independent work without feeling totally isolated, reasonably priced, and great for creativity!
#4 Wizu Workspace
Wizu offers something special for those looking for a really uplifting work experience. Founded by Tom Almas and John Guggenheim back in 2015, they combined their passion for design and the need for a great co-working space and came up with Wizu Workspace.
With two bases in Leeds, the Wizu Company have come along way in just 4 years, and their simple and innovative design has led to some wonderful collaborative work. What really sets Wizu apart from its competitors is the team behind the space itself. The fees are simple, the terms are straightforward and the staff goes above and beyond to ensure you get the most out of your time there.
With their biggest Leeds space being within the iconic Leeming Building and boasting some incredible features from superfast Internet and 24/7 accesses to a reception, 1-40 person offices and meeting rooms – there is enough to get your business off the ground in no time!
Their second base at Number 32 is equally as inspiring, albeit slightly smaller and more intimate to work in. Their office can accommodate up to 20 people, and the spacious interiors make for a wonderful work environment that boasts a vast array of features that you can enjoy within one monthly bill!
FEATURES ACROSS BOTH SITES:
- Reception
- Common Area
- Meeting Rooms
- 1-20 person office
- 24/7 Access
- Climate Control
- VOIP Telephony
- Premium Coffee
Prices aren’t featured on Wizu Workspace’s website, however, for those looking to get the most out of their freelancing days in a friendly and welcoming environment, I would highly recommend Wizu!
#5 Castleton Mill
Built in 1836, Castleton Mill is a fantastic mixture of restored traditional featured with a modern twist! A former textile mill, this co-working space boasts all the history of the building making for a really rustic and trendy environment.
The large, open and bright rooms all work to enhance your creativity and the excellent features that come with working here make it a perfect choice for those on the hunt for a less traditional building.
With tea on tap, 24-hour secure access and a stunning yet affordable set-out workspace, Castleton Mill had to make the top five spots! Whether you are working solo and want to be surrounded by professionals, or you are looking for a work studio to produce something big, Castleton Mill can accommodate.
Often used to host events and exhibitions, the large-scale industrial space at the location is also offered up as part of being a member here!
FEATURES ALSO INCLUDE:
- Kitchen Facilities
- On-site fresh local food bad
- Meeting Rooms
- 100MB Data Server
- Superfast broadband
- VOP Phones
- Fantastic transport links
One unique feature about this space that I love is their very environmentally aware approach to business, with low carbon practice and internal energy production, Castleton Mill really set themselves apart from the competition.
To access to co-working studio here you are looking to pay around £150 pcm, which ensures you get a dedicated desk, 24 hour access and a superb canal view!
#6 Duke Studios
Last, but by no means least – Duke Studios is right in the heart of Leeds city centre, and boasts a fun and relaxed collaborative space for all things creative!
Duke Studios offer a variety of options to those looking to shake up their work life a little, from co-working spaces to desk rental; there is likely an option perfect for you! The interiors at Duke Studios are everything you would expect to find in a hub filled with creative minds; vibrant colours enhance a minimalist backdrop to provide inspiration and focus!
With a not too serious approach to business, Duke studio offers a selection of impressive looking meeting rooms, from the aptly named “not bored room” to “The Conservatory” – I love the variety that Duke offers!
There are a variety of great features to benefit from at Duke studios, from co-working dual screen access to all-inclusive bills! But that’s not everything . . .
FEATURES:
- 20% off Sheaf Street Café Bar
- 25% discount on services
- Variable discount at Grub & Grog
- High speed broadband
- Power points
- Snug Spaces
- Membership to Duke Studios Agency
There are a couple of options for membership here, from a short (1-month minimum) contract to benefit from their co-working space which will set you back around £115 pcm, to longer contacts at 6 months for desk rental at £250 pcm.
Whatever it is you are after from your co-working space, Duke Studios easy going and vibrant interior will do wonders for your business brain!