Australia’s first co-work kitchen opens
ASX listed WOTSO has opened Australia’s first custom-built co-working kitchen complex.
With a dedicated collection zone, the facility in Sydney’s North Strathfield replaced the building plant room of an office.
Known as Cookspace, there are 10 self-contained rooms between 12-24 square metres.
Four have serving windows to a forecourt which will be activated into a dining area.
Food truck operators, retail food startups, major food brands and restaurants wanting to test local demand are expected to look in, manager, Harry Faatoafe, said.
Co-work kitchen
WOTSO is taking on what became known as the ‘dark kitchen’ sector in COVID, when empty suburban warehouses were leased to restaurant operators in light of a home delivery surge.
Being a co-work operation, its occupiers won’t have to lock into a lease.
The space provider also maintains equipment and picks up bills like electricity, gas and water.
“Cookspace is a culinary take on the coworking concept – no lock in leases, space when you need it and the opportunity to work in a group environment with other food entrepreneurs and businesses.” WOTSO regional manager, NSW, Paula Dayeh, said.
“It’s an idea we’ve had for a long time and it’s so good to realise the vision which we believe is unique to the Australian market,” she added.
“Our research shows that while there are kitchens to rent on a short term basis in most capital cities, Cookspace is the first custom built facility with multiple kitchens all available on flexible leasing terms,” according to the executive.
“The kitchens, designed in consultation with leading chefs, are fitted out with gleaming new equipment and available for food entrepreneurs to lease by the hour, day, week or month, just like a coworking office space”.
Last month we reported WOTSO banked $27m from a print press leased to News Corp in Queensland.
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