A Port Kembla engineer has found a way to adapt to the changing nature of industry by renting out his spare office space.
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This has resulted in a ‘hot desk’ hub on Wentworth Street, where individuals or small businesses can rent a desk in a communal office space.
Florian Heymans is a structural engineer who runs an office out of Port Kembla.
Seven years ago he bought an old Masonic hall, which he has been renovating.
“I ran a large engineering office here, but a few years ago I downsized considerably,” he said.
“The engineering business (overall) took a bit of a hit in 2013. I had 10 guys working on a huge contract, and when that finished... And also my wife passed away, so I had a year off work for those reasons.”
In addition to carrying on his business in a downsized format, about 2½ years ago Mr Heymans started renting out ‘hot desks’, utilising the leftover space at his office site.
“I started doing that when a guy I used to employ wanted to rent a desk on behalf of his company, rather than rent a whole office.
“For two-and-a-half years they built up their strength, and I ended up with three of their guys in my office.
“Eventually they leased an office in Wollongong and they all left.”
Mr Heymans said the ‘hot desk’ concept appeared to be popular overseas, having its roots in coffee shops and restaurants in New York who were looking to supplement income by renting space during off-peak periods.
He said it could also prove increasingly popular in areas such as the Illawarra, especially for businesses operating in industries who had downsized and therefore had extra office space available.
“I do it because it’s suited me over the past two-and-a-half years,” he said.
“It was a concept I had never contemplated, but it was brought on by one individual’s request and I thought it was a good opportunity.”
Mr Heymans has the capability to host up to ten ‘hot desk’ renters, such as small business owners, to rent space for a minimum of a fortnight.
The rental costs include kitchen facilities and Wi-Fi.
“All they do is bring in their laptop and they operate their business or whatever they do,” he said.
Mr Heymans also lives in the residence attached to the site.
“I’ve got oodles of (office) space and I could sell the place, but I’m reluctant to because I quite like it here,” he said.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
