HK Developers Add Coworking Space To New Projects
HONG KONG – With the COVID-19 pandemic forcing many people to work from home, developers in the territory have started incorporating coworking spaces and meeting facilities in their new developments, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Wednesday (2 December).
Architecture company Lead 8’s Founder & Executive Director, Simon Chua, said home builders have had to rethink communal spaces in their new residential projects.
“The traditional clubhouses are useless during the pandemic, (so) some developers have started converting them to coworking spaces that people can rent during the day.” These facilities come with shareable printers and meeting rooms, as well as spaces for relaxation.
With Hong Kong facing its 4th wave of COVID-19 infections, and civil servants recently ordered to resume working from home, some property developers are ensuring that there are facilities in their residential developments that can function as offices.
“With work from home becoming the new normal for many Hong Kong people and businesses, we have integrated innovative design features in most of our recently launched and upcoming residential developments, which make them an effective place for people to work and live, as and when needed,” said the territory’s biggest developer by market value, Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP).
As such, the developer put up excellent IT and communications infrastructure at its latest projects like Wetland Seasons Park in Tin Shui Wai, serviced flat project Townplace Soho along Caine Road, and St Martin in Tai Po.
Moreover, St Martin’s clubhouse has an elegant flexible workspace, while Townplace Soho’s indoor and outdoor communal areas have been designed to be work-friendly as these come with USB ports and commercial-grade Wi-Fi.
“Because of size limitations, the developments have versatile clubhouses, as well as gardens and alfresco lounging areas, that address both the social and working needs of residents. Stylish coworking spaces are integral to the clubhouses,” said SHKP’s Project Director Robert Chan.
“There are also soundproof function rooms where residents can host meetings, video conferences or simply work in private. Basic tools such as printers and photocopiers are handily available.”
Meanwhile, all units at Sino Land’s 133 Portofino project in Sai Kung are equipped with 5G technology, while its clubhouse is accessible round-the-clock.
“Having a 24-hour clubhouse, our residents can make conference calls anytime with business partners in different time zones, without disturbing their family,” said Albert Poon, Project Manager at Sino Land’s development arm.
“With (just) a laptop, residents can work poolside, or in the sitting area of the garden, as we have installed battery chargers everywhere,” he said, adding that future developments will also come with such facilities.
