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Inside The Coast Cowork Space with a Difference

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As the old saying goes, choose a job you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life. Such an expression rings true for Central Coast businesswoman Mel Archer whose success with The Foundry Cowork in Erina reflects the possibility for passion to translate into practice.

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The Foundry is a boutique, all-inclusive shared workspace that although was originally designed for entrepreneurial creatives, now welcomes people across all different industries.

On any given day, you’ll find software engineers sat next to graphic designers, recruitment powerhouses chatting with those from the public relations sector.

“I’m trying to get the idea of what coworking is out into the public. It’s still a relatively new concept, and perhaps from the outset a bit unusual. But I think what my space brings is a bit more of an intimate, community feel. We all get to know each other really well,” says Mel.

The Foundry is a slick coworking space in Erina.

The growth of coworking spaces in the past decade has been phenomenal, but have been largely found in major cities. In Sydney alone, there’s close to 400 coworking spaces of all shapes and sizes.

The attraction for casual, freelance and remote workers is understandable. You simply book a desk for the amount of time you want, turn up and work. There’s no lock-in contract, optimum flexibility, and shared use of facilities.

“The pandemic has definitely accelerated this also,” explains Mel. “Businesses of all sizes are now firmly embracing a hybrid working model. The days of employees working full time from a large leased space in the city are now over.

“Remote working has become the norm. And coworking spaces have become the leading option, creating a satellite space for teams with no overheads, decreased costs and no contract for the employers, and a shorter commute and a work-space away from home for the employee. It’s a win win.”

Until relatively recently, the lower end of the Central Coast was lacking such a space. You could rent an office, work in a café or just work from the dining table in your living room, much like Mel.

But what the mum-of-two noticed was she was lacking something hugely important to her job as a graphic designer: conversation to spark creativity. And she knew she wouldn’t be alone.

“I was self-employed and didn’t have any interaction with colleagues. I didn’t have anyone to bounce ideas off, have laughter, banter and get coffee with,” Mel said. “I did somewhat lose my creative energy and a sense of self a little.”

After a brief dalliance with renting out an office space, Mel came up with the idea for The Foundry Cowork. It took two years for the idea to come into fruition, with Mel saving to transform a mere shell of a building into a seriously slick space.

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Once inside, you’re welcomed into a warm, brightly-lit office area with eggshell white interiors and black framed finishes. The room is fitted with wooden furnishings, and pops of pastel colours that generates a sense of cosiness as well as sophistication.

“I’m a people person. I come in here and there’s always someone to chat. Each day is different, different people come in,” says Mel. “It’s about having that separation between work and home and not taking my work home with me.”

A chance to escape the home office in COVID times has undoubtedly been the driving force of The Foundry’s sharp success since opening, with members receiving complimentary refreshments, speedy WiFi, and air con on those hot summer days. The Foundry is also a registered COVID-safe business,with QR check-in and frequent cleaning

But the secret sauce to them staying is undoubtedly Mel’s focus on community. Many members are new from Sydney, still trying to find their tribe in our region. In turn, Mel offers so much more than a desk for the day. There’s workshops, talks and networking evenings.

“It’s a great space getting to know people,” Mel explains. “Our Bubbles & Beats night alone is always a sell-out and plenty of fun. There’s been authentic genuine friendships made at The Foundry, and I’m proud of that.”

The Foundry’s success is now seeing Mel look to expand the business, opening a second space in 2022. “That’s the next challenge,” she tells. “If it turns out to be even half as rewarding as the original then that will be a feat. This has truly been one of the most gratifying things I’ve ever done.”

To learn more, to connect with Mel or to book, visit The Foundry Cowork website.

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