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Join the space race: Find your ideal rental space

by Nicole Tilby
A man standing in a modern office and drawing on a chalkboard. A yellow beanbag and tree are placed next to him

Looking for co-working space, meeting rooms or venues to hire? Space in Cambridge is very much in demand – here’s our guide to what’s available

New hybrid working is making us all reconsider how we organise our nine-to-five arrangements. During the Covid-19 pandemic, we began to question the old business model of being tied to the same desk for seven hours a day, and many office workers now enjoy a more flexible approach that includes some time spent working from home. New technology – such as broadband and Microsoft Teams – has made remote working more connected than ever before, raising the question of whether wellbeing can be improved and productivity boosted by allowing employees to choose their own hours and work location.

Co-working spaces first emerged in the early 2000s, with the first known dedicated co-working space opening in 2005 in San Francisco. The model grew as start-ups and freelancers sought cost-effective alternatives to traditional office leases. With the rise of remote and hybrid working during the pandemic (2020-23), many businesses downsized their offices but still needed occasional meeting spaces for client chats and team collaborations. Co-working spaces continue to be a cost-effective, flexible solution without the need for a long-term commercial lease.

High-speed Wi-Fi

There are lots of compelling reasons why someone might want to hire a co-working space or meeting room in Cambridge. Many individuals and freelancers, sole traders or ‘solopreneurs’, often working as part of the short-term gig economy, might be looking for a professional environment in which to work as an alternative to a distracting home environment. Being around other professionals in these spaces encourages innovation, networking and collaboration.

Top view of a modern office space with multiple wooden tables and benches

Find flexible workspaces at Allia or unwind in its communal areas

For start-ups and other small businesses, a co-working space offers the opportunity to expand without committing to a long-term office lease. Co-working can be more flexible and affordable compared to renting an office, and many of these serviced premises feature state-of-the-art technology – from high-speed Wi-Fi, video conferencing tools and printing services to meeting rooms and kitchen facilities. 

Additionally, these spaces can offer a prestigious business address in the city, making them a more professional and discreet option than meeting clients in a busy nearby cafe. Plus, there may be event spaces for networking, training sessions, workshops and product launches. Proximity to the university or research institutes can also be a draw. 

Larger companies with remote teams often appreciate a regional satellite office as a base for employees and client meetings, especially when their headquarters are located elsewhere. 

Meaningful communities

“Demand for flexible workspaces in Cambridge remains strong, particularly for environments that provide more than just a desk,” says David Broach, director of Allia Future Business Centres. “The most interesting trend we’ve observed is that businesses increasingly prioritise meaningful communities where purpose-driven organisations genuinely want to be, not just need to be. Both our Kings Hedges Campus and central Guildhall locations attract these types of communities.

“These centres provide professional work stations, high-speed connectivity and meeting rooms equipped for hybrid collaboration. We have certain discounted meeting room rates for organisations that make a positive social or environmental impact, reflecting our commitment to supporting this community.

“The location has a few different advantages: our Kings Hedges Campus provides excellent accessibility and parking (including discounted rates on EV charging), while our Guildhall location delivers a prestigious city-centre presence. What truly distinguishes Allia is our cultivated ecosystem of impact-focused organisations. Our spaces are designed for collaboration, with areas and events where ventures naturally interact. It’s rewarding to watch people move through our ecosystem – often starting at a co-working desk, connecting with like-minded ventures, then growing into their own office as their business develops. Our meeting spaces aren’t just functional rooms; they’re where collaborations begin, partnerships form and businesses can gain traction.” 

Flexibility and collaboration

“Since the shift towards hybrid working, we’ve seen a significant uptake in demand for co-working and flexible office spaces in Cambridge,” says Jo Hart, group development and marketing director at Mantle Space. “Because of this demand, we have expanded our Cambridge centres, creating more breakout and office spaces.

A modern office with a large conference table, a navy bookshelf and a TV screen

The Pitt Building’s Cass Room blends historic charm with modern tech

“The hybrid model has reshaped how people work, with many professionals seeking flexibility in more dynamic spaces that allow for a mix of remote and in-office work. Many companies are now looking for adaptable environments that cater to their diverse team needs – from co-working and dedicated desks to private offices – without long-term commitment.

“Across our four Cambridgeshire sites, we guarantee a flexible and collaborative environment. We can accommodate teams of all sizes, whether you’re an individual freelancer or a growing business. We also put on great community-building events and networking opportunities that help our members connect and thrive. By bringing people from different industries together, co-working spaces become hubs of creativity and innovation. They have the flexibility and resources businesses need to scale, without the overhead costs associated with traditional office leasing. The community aspect also provides invaluable networking opportunities, allowing individuals and companies to form meaningful partnerships that drive growth and success.”

Inspirational meetings

Steeped in the city’s academic and publishing history, The Pitt Building has some of the most unique event spaces to hire in central Cambridge. Spacious and versatile rooms in this historic venue are perfect for off-site meetings, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, summer schools and so much more. 

“We are currently in the final phases of an exciting refurbishment project that will see our ground-floor space transformed,” reveals Kate Wain, sales development manager for The Pitt Building. “It will offer a light and welcoming reception and networking space together with two large ground-floor rooms that will accommodate up to 100 people in each.

 “The rooms will be fitted with the latest hybrid meeting technology and dancing walls, enabling flexible room layouts, and will feature integrated AV equipment. The new space will also be a perfect location for artists to showcase their work. With fully adjustable lighting, projection facilities, high-specification rail systems and integrated sound, the rooms will allow you to transform private viewings or public drinks receptions into immersive multimedia experiences. Facilities will be available from May.” 

Green views

Cambridge Country Club is a premium members’ club with championship 18-hole golf course, health club, spa and luxurious conference facilities, offering an elegant and versatile setting for corporate events. Whether hosting a board meeting, conference or client networking event, all the rooms offer cutting-edge technology and bespoke service for the ultimate  professional experience.

A modern kitchen space with a large island and stools and exposed ceiling

Need a break between meetings? Mantle Space offers communal areas where you can grab a bite and recharge

The club-style boardroom seats 12 guests with state-of-the-art AV equipment for presentations. All guests can make use of the golf range (500 balls each) or a gym pass with access to shower facilities during the day. The stunning 300 sq ft Royal Suite is the largest space for grand corporate events and conferences, and there are also The Terrace and 18th Green meeting rooms. All of them enjoy a soothing green backdrop overlooking the golf course and offer bespoke dining with an in-house chef, as well as a private bar. You can expect elegant decor, a private entrance, accessible lifts, a projector, AV equipment, Wi-Fi, a sound system and air conditioning. Every detail is taken care of, leaving you free to focus on business.

Restaurants with rooms

Many of the city’s restaurants offer venue hire and meeting rooms, providing convenient spaces for special occasions. Kibou – known for its vibrant atmosphere and Japanese-inspired interiors –  has a selection of private rooms and semi-private areas ideal for hosting events. Choose from the Garden and Oak rooms for private meetings or dining – or book one of its booths for a semi-private entertaining area that won’t require a booking fee.

Provenance Kitchen has venue space for hire too. Set among beautiful countryside in Whittlesford, just outside central Cambridge, its Orchard Barn and Brix + Mortar restaurant are perfect for all kinds of gatherings – from personal celebrations to corporate events, summer parties, away days, formal dinners and product launches for up to 250 people. The Orchard Barn’s open hearth is perfect for wood-fired dining, with a menu created by co-founder and chef Greg Proud and head chef Joshua Fulcher.

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