I am not sure if NAB set out to redesign co-working spaces, but in some ways that is what they have achieved with The Village. A coworking space for NAB customers in NAB's Hogwarts-esque flagship 700 Bourke Street building (near Etihad Stadium, and not to be confused with 800 Bourke, which is like living in an iPhone).
It is not the availability of WiFi, the cool-kitsch elements of decor, various seating and office types or the proximity to decent coffee that have done this. It is not even the hosting and organising of seminars for members.
What is really different about The Village is that it is hosted by NAB, one of Australia's largest banks. And you do truly feel hosted by the team here. Normal co-working spaces have you come along and sit down at a desk and keep to yourself. At The Village, you get welcomed like a mate and can have a chat. The antisocial are welcome, but they may as well go to level two of the Hub a few hundred meters up Bourke Street.
The second interesting aspect to The Village is that is is not a tech-centric or startup focused establishment. There are not overtones of needing to be working non a particular type of project or business to fit in. In fact, most people are already in business, successful business, and that makes for a different vibe.
The seminars are brilliant and varied, as is the regular but not overwhelming village newsletter.
Check it out, its a good set up. I wonder if something like this in their 500 Bourke Street CBD building could have been even better used. read more
