Here’s how flexspace is transforming worn-out buildings and benefitting local businesses
Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, UK, is home to a close-knit community and a thriving independent business scene. But before Regus opened a location there in August 2018, there were very few options for professionals seeking flexible ways to hire an office space.
“Our hot-desking concept is a real niche in the Henley market as there is nothing else like it available in the area,” says Hannah Massie, Community and Sales Manager for Regus Henley-On-Thames. “We’ve got many start-ups and sole traders who used work out of coffee shops that now having access to a great co-working community instead.”
Located on Newtown Business Estate, Regus Henley-On-Thames already had a potential building it could have moved into – but it was not up to scratch. “The site hadn’t had a lot of TLC,” explains Massie, “hence Regus basically stripping it down and starting again.”
Regus transformed the original structure into a new development named the Henley Building – a sleek, glass-paned building where natural daylight floods its three floors of co-working space. During its first year of being open, more than 100 tenants have moved in.
“The building has brought many new clients to Henley-on-Thames,” says Massie. “It’s been great to see everyone on the estate working together and bringing new clients into each establishment.”
The new Regus location has also benefitted Henley’s local enterprises. “Our clients use many of the other businesses within the Newtown Business Estate,” says Massie. “Some have made use of the self-storage directly across the road, as well the car mechanics and MOT garages down the estate, and the Fitness Space which is a…
