A new coworking space has opened on Cuba Street in Wellington, modelling its pricing on the cost of working in a cafe - except the coffee is free.

Collabolab is the newest coworking space to pop up in Wellington, aiming to poach freelancers working in cafes. Community Manager Felix Desmarais said that people who currently like to work in cafes are better off at Collabolab.

“People pay for their space in a cafe by buying coffees and croissants,” he said.

“I figured if we make it the same price as a couple of coffees, make the coffee and wifi free and unlimited, then freelancers can work here and be much happier.”

The coworking space, that boasts a sweeping view of Cuba Street, uses a credit system that allows people to subscribe to the space as a member and use their credits as they need them. Coworkers buy credits in advance and they never expire.

“It gives coworkers a lot of freedom to decide their schedule,” said Mr. Desmarais.

There are two tiers of membership, Standard and VIP, Standard membership reflecting the cost of two coffees a day at $9. VIP membership, which allows use of perks such as private meeting space is set at the cost of two coffees and a croissant at $14 a day. Paying monthly instead of weekly knocks another 10% off that, making the cheapest membership available $8.10 a day.

“And here, you can go to the loo without packing up all of your stuff,” said Mr. Desmarais.

“That kind of freedom is always a bonus.”

Prospective coworkers can find more information at www.collabolab.co.nz.

ENDS