Freedom Works expands its offering to serve the Hastings Business Community
Freedom Works, which runs several modern and creative co-working spaces throughout Sussex and
the South Coast, has opened in the old Debenhams building in the heart of Hastings.
Once described as the Hastings Palace, The former Debenhams building is steeped in history and
had been the former department store for many years. William Plummer started out as a draper in
Hastings and in 1871 had the store at 3 Robertson Street. Freedom Works have kept the name –
The Palace Workspace to create 15,000 sqft of employment space for local businesses and
freelancers to work from.
The initiative, which opened its first office in Worthing in September 2016, has witnessed a huge uplift
in businesses and people wanting flexible offices and collaborative workspace along the coast, and
Hastings is their 9th space. The new workspace offers the small business and freelancer community
with private offices, dedicated hot desks, hot desks, meeting rooms and a community breakout area.
Freedom Works have invested over £170,000 into the fit-out, on top of a Town Fund deal grant of
£112,000 to create the space, bringing the project to a £300,000 investment into the town centre.
“We’ve seen first-hand the high demand for flexible office space and the attraction of co-working
along the south coast, especially since the pandemic,” comments Jon Trigg, Freedom Works Founder
and Managing Director.
“We know from our other spaces that decent employment and collaborative workspace generates job creation, enhances growth and provides value to the local area, retaining talent.”, Trigg goes onto explain. They believe that over the next 3 years – the additional workspace will help safeguard and
create 94 full time jobs in the town centre.
Prior to opening the demand for this much needed good quality office space has seen 40% of offices
taken prior to opening. These businesses range from marketing agencies; graphic designers; finance
companies; digital specialists; accountants and publishers.
The facility provides 24-hour access, 7 days a week for dedicated members; flexible membership
packages including permanent dedicated desks or those who just wish to use a desk for an hour or
two; enhanced security with CCTV; free tea, coffee and fresh fruit; access to workshops and
networking events; and Free Beer Friday.
“We feel that there’s a gap in Hastings and the surrounding areas that needs to be filled,” adds Jon.
“You cannot discount the value of collaboration. The graphic designers in our co-working spaces are working closely with the copywriters who are also working closely with the marketing agencies and web developers who are also working with the business consultants. It’s a cycle of productivity which, in turn, is helping each business to flourish and grow.”
The overarching objective behind Freedom Works is to produce a network of co-working spaces
throughout Sussex and the South Coast to create an environment that encourages productivity and
collaboration.
Media enquiries
Jon Trigg
[email protected]
07801 260997
