Flexible workspace operator Runway East is to open its first Bath hub in a Grade II listed building in the city centre.
The 23,000sq ft workspace, pictured, in Kings Court on Parsonage Lane is the fast-growing firm’s third in the South West and 13th across the UK.
Launched in London in 2014 and describing itself as a ‘culture-led’ operator, Runway East opened its first site in Bristol shortly afterwards.
It now has 82,000 sq ft of office space on two sites in Bristol, making it the largest co-working operator in the city centre.
The Bath site, which will have a phased opening from this spring, will compete against a growing number of serviced offices and co-working spaces in the city, ranging from small independent operators such as Bath-based Rengen to long-established national chains such as Regus, which has a site on Upper Borough Walls.
The Bath hub is being opened through a 20-year partnership with clients of Abrdn and is Runway East’s second with the global investment company – the other is its 45,000 sq ft joint venture, Runway East Bloomsbury in London.
Abrdn joins L&G, GPE, Peer Group and Soho Estates as landlords that have opened second sites with Runway East.
Runway East CEO Natasha Guerra said: “It seems we’re collecting all the cities beginning with B! Bath joins Brighton, Birmingham and Bristol in addition to our sites in London.
“Bath is internationally known for its UNESCO World Heritage status, it is regularly featured as one of the best places to live, work and visit – so we are thrilled to offer our services here.
“We’re also thrilled Abrdn has chosen us to partner with on a second site – we pride ourselves on delivering for our landlords.”
She said Runway East was delighted to support Bath & North East Somerset Council’s ‘Renewal 2030’ vision, which includes facilitating and supporting small and medium-sized businesses to create a fairer, greener, creative and connected region.
“We’re delighted to do our bit by creating workplaces that facilitate productivity and places people want to work,” she added.
Abrdn deputy fund manager Peter Tomley said the firm was pleased to welcome Runway East to King’s Court, Bath.
“With a business model to create the best possible environment for start-ups and scale-ups, as well as established businesses looking for more flexible office solutions, its product is a great addition to the city, playing both to the region’s growth agenda whilst also providing the fund with long term, durable income,” he added.
Abrdn was advised by London-based HEWN, the UK’s leading specialist flexible workspace agency.
HEWN founder Will Kinnear said: “Runway East was selected as the preferred partner by Abrdn given their knowledge of the South West market and the fantastic product and service they provide.
“They are a great addition to the Bath market, their in-demand product is attune with the ambitions of the local council and the economy it wants to create and foster.”
Businesses using Runway East spaces include household names such as Deliveroo, Dojo and Grind as well as start-ups and scale-ups.
