Newtown's Co-working Space COMMUNE Is Crowdfunding Its Expansion

Calling all freelancers, entrepreneurs, small businesses and creative types. COMMUNE, the co-working space dedicated to you, is outgrowing its well-loved-yet-getting-tight warehouse in Newtown. This comes as no surprise. Since setting up at 160 Rochford Street nearly three years ago, COMMUNE has helped many a lonely freelancer out of isolation and into a supportive community. So, to move into a new space that’s as big, as beautiful and as accommodating as possible, the team is running a crowdfunding campaign via Pozible.

“I’d like to think first and foremost that COMMUNE has become a home away from home for the many freelancers who have come through our door,” says Sam Ali, the founder. “I think it has been a platform of support for emerging creative talent to get their first step in the industry. We endeavour to help those who are proactive in chasing their dreams — those with the passion and drive who just need a hand to take their ideas to the next level.”

In addition to providing facilities like hot desks, full-time desks, a photography studio and event spaces, COMMUNE also runs workshops, special events and networking sessions. “We've been able to provide inspiration for people to go on and use their skills to do good things within the industry and their community as a whole,” says Ali.

The COMMUNE team has already raised 70% of the funds needed to make a move. They’ll use the money raised via Pozible to put on the finishing touches. And the campaign is also about raising awareness. “Our campaign is not just about helping us fund the new space,” says Ali. “We are inviting the creative community to join COMMUNE and be there the day we open. Supporters will not only get their names engraved on our founding ember honour board, they will also get exclusive discounts on all our services and memberships.”

Though the team is keeping the exact location of the new space a secret for now, we do know it won’t be far from COMMUNE’s original home. “We’re all about keeping it local, so you can assume we’re staying proudly inner west. We think Newtown is a very special part of Sydney, which places importance on supporting one another and working together.”

Sam and Matt Woods, an interior designer, have been collaborating on the design. Drawing on feedback from current and past members, they plan to make the space as accessible, user-friendly, dynamic and healthy as possible. “The most exciting aspect is that people will be able to easily drop in and use it for as little or as long as they need without complications,” said Sam. “The space is designed to increase creativity and productivity by encouraging fluid transitions between collaborative and focused individual work.”

There’ll be room for at least 40 full- and part-time desks; capacity for 50 hot deskers per day, private offices for up to eight people, designated workshop spaces, meeting rooms and collaborative areas.

To support the crowdfunding campaign, become a founding member of the new COMMUNE and score some cracking discounts on membership and services, head to their Pozible page.