Network Rail launches flexible workspace offering The Station Office Network

Network Rail and The Office Group have announced that they are to open three drop-in workspaces in King’s Cross, Liverpool Street and Leeds stations as part of joint venture The Station Office Network, an initiative intended to provide mobile offices in train stations throughout the UK’s major cities.

The new sites, which are set for completion over the spring and summer, are said to provide an additional 50,000 sq. ft. of “high quality” fully serviced offices for mobile workers and commuters looking for a place to work before and after journeys.

The three locations will expand upon the Network’s pilot flexible office product at Paddington station, which it launched in 2012, with the four sites set to accommodate up to 1100 people in total.

Each workspace will include private offices, meeting rooms,’ClubRooms’ – shared drop-in desk areas, broadband, and receptionists to handle mail, telephone and switchboard queries, in order to suit “a broad range of businesses and rail passengers”.

The roll-out of the three additional sites is set to see The Office Group’s turnover grow to over £35m per annum a year with its property portfolio valued at £195m.

Commenting on its partnership with Network Rail, chairman of The Office Group, Lloyd Dorfman, said:  “As demand for flexible and remote working grows throughout the UK, these new facilities will support our exciting growth plans in meeting passenger needs.” 

David Biggs, Network Rail’s managing director of property, continued:

“This innovative joint venture brings an additional facility to our busy stations by transforming underused space into productive work environments that meet the needs of time scarce business travellers.

“As we prepare for another decade of dramatic growth on the railway, the serviced office product will continue to be a key element of how we improve our stations and enhance the passenger experience.”