WITH the recent shift toward hybrid and remote working, the demand for flexible and hassle-free workspaces has grown significantly.
To cater to this need, Cebu-based property developer AppleOne Properties Inc. (API) and global flexible workspace provider International Workspace Group opened the newest Regus center at Festive Walk Mall, Mandurriao, Iloilo City on March 14, 2023.
API is Regus’ exclusive franchise partner in the Visayas.
“As a company, we are constantly looking for opportunities to expand the business while supporting the growth of new markets. Iloilo City was on our radar for fast emerging business hubs in the Western Visayas region, especially being known for its peace, order and business-friendly local government units,” said Ray Go Manigsaca, president of API.
Regus Festive Walk is the first in Iloilo City and first in Western Visayas. It is API’s third Regus location—the first two being Regus AppleOne Equicom Tower and Regus Park Centrale located in Cebu Business Park and Cebu IT Park, respectively.
The 1,024-square-meter Regus Festive Walk features 53 plug-and-play private offices that can accommodate up to 191 workstations in varying capacities.
The workspace offers a collaborative modern space close to conveniences with flexible terms and minus the overhead costs of maintaining an office.
Strategically located in the fast-growing financial hub of Iloilo City, Regus Festive Walk in Mandurriao positions itself as a prime office location for start-up businesses, thriving business process outsourcing and tech companies, and remote workers.
It has ready amenities and services that are considered a must for any modern office space, including business-grade speed wireless internet, reception services, office cleaning and maintenance, and a business lounge with an office pantry. There are also two meeting rooms available for hourly or daily rent.
It also offers a virtual office option that lets one use the center as an office address without having to lease a physical workplace.
Remote workers can also opt for a semi-private workstation or a dedicated co-working desk for hybrid working across Regus centers. It offers an office membership program allowing one to connect with Regus’ network of workspaces across the globe.
Feasible alternative
Flexible workspaces are likely to play a crucial role in companies’ real estate diversification strategies post-Covid-19 pandemic, according to Colliers Philippines.
Colliers projects take-up for flexible workspaces to be driven by traditional occupiers engaged in construction, architecture, logistics, financial technology (fintech), and start-up companies.
Flexible workspaces are popular among companies weighing office space expansion plans in the near term.
They are a feasible alternative for companies seeking short-term leases and looking to right-size operations.
“As hybrid work gains traction at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, flexible work has become the focus of multinational companies. Occupiers should revisit their short- and long-term growth projections to properly assess their real estate needs and take advantage of the flexible work solutions as an interim alternative,” said Patricia Cruz, associate director of Office Services – Tenant Representation.
Colliers also urges office landlords to either explore partnerships with flexible workspace operators or launch their own brands.
“Because of the new ways of working, it is now crucial for building owners to have a flexible workspace provider in their buildings to capture new office space requirements. Given all the uncertainties, flexibility will be the name of the game,” said Maricris Sarino-Joson, director and head of Office Services – Landlord Representation.(KOC)