First tenants arrive at Manchester’s new co-working space

A string of firms from across the creative and commercial sectors have signed up to be among the first tenants of a new Manchester co-working campus.

Use.Space boasts unique features including a botanical atrium filled with around 600 plants where its 134 members can meet, work and collaborate.

Among those who will enjoy access to resources including 10,000 sq ft of production facilities for film, video and voice are Paus.tv – a media start-up for YouTubers, and Nudge behavioural science start-up.

From the fashion sector, Little Black Dress – online retailer of ladies party-wear – and A La Mode fashion brand have taken space in the campus.

Image Foundry, a creative agency that produces stunning computer-generated visuals, has also signed up.

Use. Space founder David Walter said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome our first members to our new campus.

“They are united by a shared sense of flair, imagination and drive. Many co-working spaces can be dominated by a very masculine ethos, but at Use.Space we are making conscious decisions about our curated community to promote inclusivity and diversity with a fair balance where everyone feels welcome.

“Sustainability and wellbeing are key priorities for us too and we are employing biophillic design incorporating elements of nature, plants and the outdoors. Plus, all our cutlery, plates, coffee cups and straws will be 100 per cent plant-based and compostable and we’ll be running regular sustainability activities to inspire our members to ensure we all do our bit for the environment.

“With 30% of our space already filled, and with many more enquiries coming in, we’re well on our way to reaching our aim of establishing a buzzing hive of innovation and creativity in the regenerated Ardwick area.”

Simon Stone joins the team as community manager for Use.Space and will be responsible for supporting and empowering members, and ensuring a productive, sustainable, healthy and happy working environment.

The 14,000 sq ft space shares the same campus as Seventy7 – an international creative content agency David also runs – providing members easy access to some of the city’s most well-connected creative professionals.

Use.Space is in Ardwick, which is set to be transformed as part of a £1.1bn regeneration project.