Duke of Westminster Launches Co-Working Space to Support Central London Charities
The Duke of Westminster has inaugurated Fivefields, a 30,000 square foot co-working venue in Victoria, London, aimed at assisting charities and social enterprises.
This initiative ensures these organizations can affordably maintain a central London presence, particularly those focused on children and youth welfare, in alignment with the Duke’s Westminster Foundation's objectives.
Operated by flexible workspace company x+why, the Grosvenor estate's Fivefields seeks to gather similar organizations, fostering a collaborative environment that can facilitate networking and shared growth.
Charities can avail grants from the Westminster Foundation, covering up to half of their membership fees.
The Duke stressed the importance of this project in alleviating the difficult decisions charities faced post-pandemic between costly central offices and remote work that might hinder their effectiveness. Positioned in a prime estate, Fivefields is a strategic move to support essential social work.
Among the workspace's early adopters are Action Tutoring, London Wildlife Trust, and Doorstep Library. The Grosvenor Gardens building reserves two-thirds of its space for charitable entities, with the remaining third open to private ventures that align with the charitable community's mission.
Action Tutoring's CEO, Susannah Hardyman, acknowledged the challenge charities face in securing affordable, conducive office spaces in London, emphasizing the positive impact such spaces have on staff performance and retention, ultimately benefiting their cause.