Town Hall appoints Hub Manager as first Phase of co-working project opens
The revitalisation of the historic Town Hall building in Tunbridge Wells continues to gather pace as the first phase of the workspace opens to the public.
The building is being opened in phases over 12 months as works progress and more space becomes available. Phase one has now been launched - which includes meeting rooms, a coworking space and several offices.
The Operator Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) has appointed Lucie Merkl as the Hub Manager. Lucie will be responsible for finding and supporting new members, sourcing and organising business mentors and workshops, arranging events and the general day-to-day running of the space.
Having lived in Tunbridge Wells for 27 years Lucie is already well established in the community, having previously built and run her own florist and antiques business, The Bloom Foundry, on St John’s Road.
Speaking of her appointment, Lucie said she was excited to start welcoming people to the historic building: “The Town Hall has always been such a focal point in the middle of town that it’s developed a mystique of its own amongst locals. So I'm delighted to finally be able to welcome people into this incredible space where they can collaborate, learn and work together.
“Whilst working from home has its perks sometimes, people naturally want that social element. When I ran The Bloom Foundry I’d often have friends pop into the shop and work from their laptops with a coffee while we chatted. There is a real community ethos in the town and so to have a dedicated workspace in such a beautiful landmark building is very special.
“We’re already getting a lot of interest, so I can’t wait to be able to welcome our first members into the space, and to start turning the building into a thriving business hub that will support and grow the community around it.”
TownSq operates the Town Hall in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council. Its Community Director, Carl Turner said: “Coworking is not just about providing desk space and internet access, it’s about fostering a community of supportive individuals and teams, who can share experience and help each other grow. The Hub Manager is the key to all of that, and so we’re delighted to have appointed someone who already has such experience of living and working in Tunbridge Wells.
“Lucie’s experience running a local business will be invaluable as she supports local startups and growing businesses, as well as those who work for larger companies and want to escape their home office or kitchen table!
“We’re delighted to have opened the first phase and would encourage anyone who wants to take a look, to get in touch with Lucie and book a tour.”
Cllr Justine Rutland, Cabinet member for Economic Development at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council said: “We are delighted that the Town Hall now open for business and that Lucie has come on board. Tunbridge Wells is a great place to work and there's a lot going on in a very friendly and supportive business community. The Town Hall is looking absolutely fabulous after its refurbishment, and we are looking forward to seeing it buzzing.”
The first phase of coworking space is open with an introductory 5 days for £5 offer for the first 50 coworkers.
