Network Rail and The Office Group Announce Next Phase of Growth for The Station Office Network

New sites being developed at Kings Cross, Leeds and Liverpool Street stations will provide an additional 50,000 sq ft of high quality work space to Britains mobile workforce.

All three locations are set for completion in spring/summer 2014 and together with the existing Paddington office, will create a network of four stations that can accommodate up to 1100 people in a variety of alternative working environments. These include offices, meeting rooms and drop-in work space, known as ClubRooms, for a broad range of businesses and rail passengers.

The Station Office Network provides commuters with shared or private working areas similar to airport business lounges, with stylish meeting rooms, superfast broadband and receptionists to handle mail, telephone and switchboard enquiries.

 

The Station Office Network is a 50:50 partnership which enhances the passenger experience and taps into the growing trend of flexible and mobile working by providing convenient, design-led work and meeting spaces at major transport hubs, allowing people to work seamlessly while on the move.

David Biggs, Network Rails managing director of property, said: This innovative joint venture brings an additional facility to our busy stations by transforming underused space into productive work environments that meet the needs of time scarce business travellers. Stations are convenient destinations for shopping, dining and leisure and the success of our first site at Paddington has proved that they are equally as sought after for business. As we prepare for another decade of dramatic growth on the railway, the serviced office product will continue to be a key element of how we improve our stations and enhance the passenger experience.

Network Rail’s Industry Re-Investments

All profits from Network Rails commercial activity are re-invested in the railway to help build a safer, more reliable and growing network for its passengers and freight users.

Commenting on the joint venture, Lloyd Dorfman, The Office Groups Chairman and majority shareholder (and founder of foreign exchange group Travelex) said: This joint venture further strengthens The Office Groups position as a leading player in the work space sector, and proves that this markets time has absolutely come. As demand for flexible and remote working grows throughout the UK, these new facilities will support our exciting growth plans in meeting passenger needs.

Charlie Green, co-founder and joint CEO of The Office Group, said: Flexible and mobile working are becoming ever more the norm for businesses and stations have become destinations in their own right not just somewhere to travel through. These working spaces provide yet another facility for busy passengers to use. As part of the membership, clients at the rail hub offices can also take advantage of The Office Groups other 16 London venues adding further convenience to our customers.

Andrew Ledger, director of The Station Office Network, added: There are ambitious plans to open further work spaces in major railway stations throughout the UK. We have already identified a number of new and exciting locations, which will form part of our expansion strategy to help create a network of flexible work space for our customers that want to do business at our stations.