FMJ Facilities Management magazine providing industry-specific intelligence to FM and property professionals
B Corp certified, flexible workspace specialist x+why has opened its first suburban site in Chiswick.
The site at Chiswick Works W4 will offer forward thinking, flexible and sustainable workspace facilities for businesses wanting a West London base as well as meeting the local demand for hybrid-working and enabling people to work ‘close to home’ on days when they do not travel into the office.
The Chiswick Works space will also be x+why’s first site targeted at remote workers offering the escape, community, fun, and focus that working from home can lack. The 30,000 sq foot space will be a mix of co-working, dedicated desks and small offices, and there will be several enterprise suite spaces, suited to larger companies – ideally located in Chiswick Park, home to some of the world’s leading companies.
Chiswick Works is in line with x+why’s recent B Corp certification – from the triple height reception with floor to ceiling glazing bringing a huge amount of natural light, to the dramatic mezzanine, and inspiring Mission Room with amphitheatre style seating.
The building has a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating and there is a full fresh air handling system to all spaces. The fit out and furnishing of the space includes sustainable materials such as cork floors and Baux acoustic panels, as well as locally and environmentally sourced furniture and a biophilic design. The site’s industrial heritage is reflected in its contemporary design features, and the passing tube and train tracks provide the perfect, fun distraction through the floor to ceiling windows on the first floor.
Rupert Dean, CEO and co-founder of x+why, commented: “Chiswick Works is ideally located as our first West London outpost, an area that has long been considered a valuable base for creative and innovative entrepreneurs. The region was home to the UK’s first ever shared workspace at Barley Mow in 1976, encouraging a plethora of individuals from designers and architects to jewellers and craftspeople. That eclectic mix of creative types remains as strong in West London today as ever, with 41 new start-ups said to be operational per square km across the region.
“Furthermore, the pandemic has driven an increase in demand for hybrid-working with locals looking for a place to work close to home on days when they are not going into the office.”
As workplaces open up and restrictions lift the role of the FM has become more important than ever.
The challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic are now providing a valuable opportunity for FMs to demonstrate their skills and adaptability. Whilst on a practical level FMs are responsible for making buildings safe and comfortable, they are also crucial in attracting people back to the office.
In speaking with industry leaders, it is clear that there are six key areas of focus. Zip has published a white paper which looks at each one, suggesting ways that facilities managers can tackle the complexities and pace of a return to the workplace, whilst demonstrating clear and effective leadership along the way.
To find out more download the white paper here.
