Overview
A decade ago, the co-founders of The Commons co-working space, Cliff Ho and Tom Ye, saw the writing on the wall. The way we worked was changing. From tech start-ups scaling with nimble teams to the beginnings of the booming content creation industry, the 2020s have revealed that more people are craving autonomy over their work days. Fast forward to 2026, and The Commons isn't just a co-working space with 19 locations, but a representation of the way we work today. From exercise and wellbeing to aligned work and socialising with ease, The Commons helps to blend it all seamlessly.
At the two new Melbourne health clubs in Richmond and South Yarra, members can enjoy yoga and reformer pilates at 7am, a warm-down in the Bathhouse, followed by a 9am meeting in the cafe over coffee (or a healthy smoothie), and work in The Commons' meeting rooms. Other locations, such as The Commons in Martin Place and Collins Street offer a wine bar that pours signature cocktails and local drops, making it easy to transition from work to off-the-clock socialising.
"People aren't coming in five days a week, and they're not coming in just to sit at a desk. They're using the space more intentionally, for collaboration, for connection, for meetings, and for moments where being around others adds real value," says The Commons' Head of Marketing Angelique Musico.
The collaboration doesn't only exist through work but also The Commons' weekly events planned by the staff. This includes meditation, spritz afternoons, and team coffee runs to a local cafe. Each fosters a sense of community and a broader shift in the way people want to work in the 2020s and beyond.
The Commons Castlereagh
Design-Forward Spaces
As more people start their own businesses or work for themselves, it's easy to simply log in from the comfort of your home. But, The Commons' spaces are also focused on design. "Design underpins everything," says Angelique.
The locations across Melbourne and Sydney take inspiration from the places people already love but may not associate with the traditional office. "The Commons atmosphere is inspired by places you'd naturally want to spend time in outside of work, like your local cafe, wine bar, bookstore or art gallery. It's a design intent that really resonates with creatives and start-ups."
The Commons Martin Place
The brand also works with the existing elements of a space's legacy. For example, in Collins Street, the former ANZ bank vault has been transformed into a sensory meditation space, complete with the building's metal door. The team has worked with renowned local design studios, including Flack Studio, DesignOffice, and Foolscap, to ensure each space has its own identity. "We believe workspaces should feel closer to hospitality environments: beautifully designed, welcoming and social," says Angelique. "When people enjoy being somewhere, the quality of work and collaboration naturally improve."
This is also reflected in the spaces "third spaces", AKA, golf simulators, bowling alleys and massage chairs. Beyond the atmosphere and interior design, the spaces are literally designed for collaborative work.
"The spaces are designed for people who value a workplace they can identify with and feel energised in, spaces where you can quickly jump on a large comfy couch for a brainstorm or step out for a coffee meeting at a moment's notice." Ultimately, The Commons' success lies in its holistic experience that reflects how people and businesses are working and building through the late 2020s.
The Commons Collins Street
The Natural Evolution
The Commons recently stepped into a new era. Inspired by the post-COVID wellness and bathhouse movements, The Commons Health Clubs in Melbourne's Richmond and South Yarra are a natural extension of the company's holistic experience.
Featuring a state-of-the-art gym, studio classes including reformer pilates, and a luxe bathhouse, sauna and red light therapy room, The Commons Health Club is redefining wellness and work in Australia. It was also born from being highly tuned to what its members needed day-to-day.
"Many members were leaving the building to go to the gym or attend fitness classes. Work and wellness were already part of the same daily routine, they were just happening in different places," says Angelique.
The Commons Health Club Richmond
The question became: what if the building supported that rhythm instead of interrupting it?
"Our first integrated health club in Richmond, and our upcoming second health club in South Yarra, bring wellbeing into the everyday experience of work, creating a more complete routine where work sits alongside life. It's based on our belief that we do our best work when we're well."
The Commons Health Club Richmond
As our idea of work and work-life balance continues to evolve, The Commons aims to push beyond traditional (and often rigid) boundaries. From design-forward layouts, central locations, useful amenities, and an atmosphere that fosters a sense of community, The Commons' success comes down to creating spaces where work, connection and wellbeing coexist with ease.
Schedule a tour to experience The Commons Health Club.