Network Rail has struck a £40m deal with temporary office space specialists, The Office Group, to make temporary office space at five London stations in the New Year.
Paddington will be the first mainline station to get the working areas and meeting rooms, including broadband installation. The space will be accessed via Platform 1 and will accommodate up to 250 people.
The deal is part of the rail operator’s New Year drive to boost commercial revenues from its stations.
Network Rail says its vision is “to enhance the passenger experience by creating stations that are destinations in their own right. It will tap into the growing mobile working trend as well as providing a convenient alternative working environment”.
Clients at the rail hub offices will also be able to take advantage of The Office Group’s other properties which feature The Club membership scheme featuring receptionists to deal with mail, telephone and switchboard enquiries.
David Biggs, Network Rail’s Director of Property, said: “We are constantly looking for ways to improve our stations and unlock the potential for commercial revenue that they hold. The network of drop-in office space created through this innovative joint venture will provide a new and convenient service at stations. Passengers are already able to eat, drink and shop at our stations, so it was only logical that we offered them the opportunity to work here, too.”
Biggs said all profits from Network Rail’s commercial activity would re-invested in the railway.
Charlie Green, Co-CEO of The Office Group, said: “Every year the trend for mobile working is increasing. To meet this demand, we have teamed up with an organisation that sees a huge throughput of mobile workers across its rail terminals. With excellent transport links, the offices will also be the perfect venue for larger corporations who may be experiencing an overflow of staff and need space to accommodate key employees.
“Opening in mid-2012, this deal has been made with one eye on the busier public transport networks we may see during next year’s 2012 Games. This rail hub office will give employers in Games travel hotspots a place to base their employees during busy periods next summer.”
Founded in 2003, The Office Group was acquired by Lloyd Dorfman, the founder of Travelex, and has grown its turnover to £17m a year.
Do you have news for CN? Email: pcolston@mashmedia.net
