The International Workplace Group (IWG), the world’s leading provider of hybrid office spaces, is set to open a new facility in Coleraine at the River House Business Centre.

This move is part of IWG’s response to the growing demand for flexible working solutions in the Causeway Coast region, as the trend for hybrid working accelerates post-pandemic.

Overlooking the scenic River Bann, the new workspace is expected to be operational within the next two months, offering private offices, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms.

The Coleraine site aims to support the shift toward a ’15-minute city’ model, where individuals can work close to home, reducing the need for lengthy commutes.

Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of IWG, highlighted Coleraine’s strategic importance as a growing business hub. “Flexible workspaces are in greater demand as hybrid working becomes the norm,” he said, adding that the new facility will help businesses scale while reducing overheads.

The north coast has seen a rise in demand for housing, with the average house price in the Causeway Coast and Glens area increasing by 40% since the pandemic began. Hybrid working has been a driving factor in this growth, as more people choose to work remotely.

Robert Wilson of River House noted the benefits of the new Regus space, describing it as an “efficient and impressive alternative” to traditional office rentals. Founded as Regus in 1989, IWG now operates over 4,000 workspaces in 120 countries and continues to expand rapidly, with 465 new locations signed up in the first half of 2024 alone.

IWG predicts that 30% of all commercial real estate will be flexible workspace by 2030, as businesses continue to embrace hybrid working for its cost-saving and productivity benefits.