The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) plans to launch affordable co-working spaces in CIT Nagar, Anna Nagar, and Kolathur. These centres will offer high-speed internet, dedicated workstations, meeting rooms, and libraries, targeting middle-income employees, young professionals, and startups. With an investment of INR 30 crore, the facilities aim to reduce costs for users and revitalise urban areas. The CMDA plans to investigate public-private partnerships to ensure effective and sustainable operations. The initiative is well-received, provided it maintains standards akin to those of private co-working spaces, aiming to bolster the city's economic and urban development.
The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) plans to introduce affordable co-working spaces equipped with high-speed internet, dedicated workstations, meeting rooms, and fully stocked libraries. These centres will be located in CIT Nagar, Anna Nagar, and Kolathur, integrating functionality with accessibility to meet the diverse needs of modern professionals. Co-working spaces, where employees from various companies share infrastructure to reduce costs, first emerged in Chennai in the early 2000s and gained significant momentum by 2015.
These spaces offer a range of options, from three-seater cabins to flexible desks and meeting rooms, with rents varying between INR 9,000 and INR 33,000 depending on location and seating arrangements. The government intends to invest INR 30 crore in developing these co-working centres. CMDA Minister P. K. Sekar Babu emphasised the aim of providing high-standard facilities that are affordable for middle-income employees. These spaces will particularly benefit young professionals, including those preparing for competitive exams, as they will feature libraries for study during breaks or after work hours.
These centres will cater to a wide range of users, including entrepreneurs, startups, freelancers, and remote workers. Anshul Mishra, CMDA member secretary, noted that startups typically allocate 30% of their investment to rental costs. These co-working spaces will be ideal for early-stage ventures and individuals with innovative business ideas, as they help reduce the overhead costs associated with traditional office spaces. Developing these centres will breathe new life into underused urban areas, boost the city's economy, and enhance the vibrancy of its urban landscape.
The facilities will be strategically located to ensure excellent connectivity, making them accessible to a broad spectrum of users. The CMDA plans to explore public-private partnerships to ensure these centres operate efficiently and sustainably. Additionally, these co-working spaces will host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among professionals.
S. Satheash, AVP of Real Estate at Workez, a co-working firm, noted that co-working centres saw an absorption of 19,000 seats last year. He welcomed the government's initiative but stressed the importance of maintaining quality and standards comparable to those of existing private-sector players. Satheash suggested that the government should consider establishing these centres in prime locations like Guindy, OMR, and the central business district to maximise their impact.
Umesh Kumar, a freelancer, shared his experience of paying INR 9,000 per month for a workstation in a Nungambakkam co-working space. He highlighted the significance of amenities and expressed hope that the government's co-working spaces would match the quality of private facilities. Kumar emphasised the need for these government-run spaces to offer the same level of service and convenience to ensure they meet the expectations of professionals seeking cost-effective yet high-quality work environments.
In conclusion, CMDA's initiative to create affordable co-working spaces represents a significant step towards supporting the city's diverse workforce. These centres will provide top-tier facilities at affordable prices, benefiting professionals and startups and promoting Chennai's overall economic and urban growth.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
