A new scheme has been launched in Rhyl to help give local workers a closer-to-home option and to support organisations and businesses by offering staff a flexible working solution.
In collaboration with the Welsh Government, TownSq is offering private companies or public sector organisations the chance to work from the newly refurbished Costigan’s coworking hub - for free.
People typically commute further in North Wales than any other part of the country, with the 2011 Census data showing that, on average, workers in all local authorities had longer distances to travel to work than the Wales average, except in Wrexham.
Commuting distances have also increased in each local authority in the region since 2001.
However, the COVID 19 restrictions meant that in 2020, many people were forced to work from home.
Whilst not ideal, the benefits of remote working soon became apparent, and a survey conducted by TownSq found that 85% of respondents wanted to work closer to home in the future.
Due to launch in June, Costigan’s, on Elwy Street, has been transformed from a semi-derelict pub into a thriving new coworking space and coffee shop, thanks to £312,000 of funding from Denbighshire County Council, through the European Regional Development Fund.
Senior Community Manager for TownSq, Carl Turner said: “Many of us will have been working from home for much of this past year.
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“And whilst there are some real positives, like less time travelling and spending more time with family, it can also be tough living and working in the same space 24/7.
“Likewise, many organisations are realising that they don’t need large and expensive office space, when their staff can work flexibly, with some days in the office and some days working closer to home.
“Spaces like Costigan’s are easy to access and provide all the support and facilities people need to get their work done.
“People can cut their commute drastically by working locally, as well as helping support their community high streets by getting that morning coffee or afternoon lunch.
“I’d encourage anyone who commutes out of the area, or any organisation looking to help staff work flexibly, to get in touch with us and see how we can help.”
The Welsh Government has committed to promoting and supporting remote working in Wales, setting a target of 30% of the workforce working this way in the long term.
One of the key facilitators of its flexible working strategy will be business hubs such as Costigans, with the Government launching its remote working Wales map in January.
- To learn more about the scheme or to book a tour of Costigan’s, people can call 01745 299 987 or email, owain@townsq.co.uk
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