Kingston's riverside saw a number of councillors, council officers, and other local figures brave yesterday evening's rain (Thursday 25 July) to attend the launch of a new co-working space underneath John Lewis in the town centre.

The so-called 'enterprise hub' is the work of Kingston Council and Town Square Spaces, which has been leased the space by the local authority on a 10-year contract. With this latest addition, the company now oversees 11 similar venues across the country.

Besides the new office space, Town Square Kingston will host a number of entrepreneur workshops, talks, and events designed to foster a strong start-up and freelancer culture across the borough, with Leader of the Council Andreas Kirsch confirming in his launch speech that the space is expected to help create 500 new jobs locally.

Dozens of locals attended the Town Square Kingston launch on Thursday 26 July. (Photo: Oliver Monk)

Five private offices are available alongside 60 hotdesks, meeting rooms, phone booths, and more.

A café will also be available, run by staff from a nearby coffee cart, Argonaut Coffee.

The new 10-year operators lease granted by the council is a much-welcome step towards regenerating the area. The retail unit remained empty for years, despite its enviable position along the Thames. Cllr Kirsch described the new space as "an important link along the river between the town centre and Canbury Gardens".

The new 'enterprise hub' has space for 60 hotdesk users. (Photo: Kieron Trufitt)

Kingston Town Square is managed by self-proclaimed 'Kingston boy', Ryan Gough, who said: "We've already had a lot of interest from local freelancers and small businesses looking for affordable workspace so we're delighted to open our doors for the first time.

"For us, a workspace is not just a place to work, but a place to work together. We find that when people from different backgrounds, businesses and industries share the same space there is a natural networking and sharing of experience that can lead to some incredible collaborations.

He added: "I'd encourage anyone with an idea or a desire to start their own business to come and take a look at our space. 

"We can offer support to anyone in the early stages of their business; from the teams looking to collaborate with others, to the individual with a promising idea who can't quite quit their day job yet - we can help."

Kingston Town Square's manager Ryan Gough (right) with Leader of the Council Andreas Kirsch (left). (Photo: Kieron Trufitt)

Funding for the new space has come from its partnership with the BIG South London programme, a south London-wide economic growth scheme, alongwith support from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Town Square are encouraging those interested in the new space to book a tour and visit, either by contacting Mr Gouhg via [email protected], or by visiting its Kingston website here.