Despite WeWork's woes, co-working is here to stay

Flexible workspace poised to expand in Singapore, given low penetration rate: Experts

Left: WeWork's co-working space in Beach Road. Since 2015, the co-working sector has grown to more than 200 locations run by about 100 operators, according to Colliers. PHOTO: WEWORK Below: IWG leased over 20,600 sq ft of space at Capitol Singapore e
Above: WeWork's co-working space in Beach Road. Since 2015, the co-working sector has grown to more than 200 locations run by about 100 operators, according to Colliers. PHOTO: WEWORK
IWG leased over 20,600 sq ft of space at Capitol Singapore earlier this year to launch its premium co-working space concept No18.
Above : IWG leased over 20,600 sq ft of space at Capitol Singapore earlier this year to launch its premium co-working space concept No18. PHOTO: IWG
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

In particular, those backed by landlords or developers such as Distrii by City Developments, Justco by Frasers Property and The Work Project by CapitaLand are more resilient, a DBS report said.

Another growing trend is co-working operators launching flexible workspaces in retail and hotel spaces. For instance, The Great Room has taken up 15,000 sq ft of space in Raffles Hotel, the first co-working space integrated in a six-star hotel.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on December 28, 2019, with the headline Despite WeWork's woes, co-working is here to stay. Subscribe