While WFH (working from home) has its benefits, Zoom calls just don’t cut it when it comes to replacing workplace culture and interaction.

But the best of both worlds have combined at Art Work Spaces, an architecturally-designed coworking hub on Abbott Street in the CBD.

Opened just this week, Art Work Spaces offers local and visiting professionals a range of flexible working spaces, as well as the opportunity to collaborate with like-minded people.    

The building’s eco-friendly fit-out includes soundproof meeting rooms, a range of office spaces, a library-like room of desks, a two-storey vertical garden, lounges, curated art collections, kitchens and balconies – all available with 24/7 access.  

Art Work Spaces co-owner Paul Kamsler – who’s parents Dina and Paul Kamsler are known for building the Tradewinds Hotel-Motel in 1965 and later Cairns' first high-rise hotel, the Pacific International – believes the building emulates a capital city concept with a regional city feel. 

“We can give people an actual shingle, an address to put on their business card, a presence – and yet they can still be working at home or remotely,” Paul Jnr said.

“People can rent a desk for a month, three months, a day, a couple of weeks – whatever. You might have sales people coming up from Sydney or Melbourne or government employees.

“Some will always work at home and we can enhance that with our virtual office product. The word is flexibility.

“It’s a new concept for Cairns, but it’s something that's available in capital city CBDs right around the world. It’s a sign of the times.”

Art Work Spaces Community Manager Gregor Davie said the new Abbott St hub is a hybrid of home and work.

“It’s not simply a building with rooms in it. We are creating a community in which vibrant people from a range of professions, interests and occupations can work with each other,” he said. 

"Members will have the best of both worlds – flexibility to choose their own hours and work space, but with access to like-minded people, social events and networking opportunities.

“We might have Tuesday talks, yoga mornings or do Friday night drinks at Wolf Lane next door.”

While the official launch of Art Work Spaces isn’t scheduled until early next year, the space is now open to tenants after eighteen months' construction.

To book a free tour head to artworkspace.biz, or visit the space on 36 Abbott Street – next to the Cairns Art Gallery.

CHECK OUT THE SPACE(S) IN THE GALLERY BELOW: