Question 1

What is coworking?

Accepted Answer

Even though there are hundreds of coworking spaces in the major cities around Australia, it's a fairly new concept to the Central Coast. Coworking is a shared office environment where freelancers, entrepreneurs and small teams work independently. As wellbeing in the workplace is becoming a hot topic, coworking is an excellent way to escape the isolation of working from home and be around like-minded people in a productive, supportive and collaborative environment.
 
A bit of trivia: Coworking was invented in 2005 by Brad Neuberg, a computer programmer in San Francisco. He wanted the freedom and independence of working for himself along with the structure and community of working with others. Being a problem solver by nature, he coined the term 'Cowork' (no hyphen!) and opened the first ever coworking space. Brad, we salute you!

Question 2

What if I'm on calls / video calls during the day?

Accepted Answer

In this day and age, so is everyone else! As long as you bring headphones and aren't a shouty person, you're all set!

The added benefit of becoming a member is that you also get free access to our meeting rooms / call booths for those confidential conversations.

Question 3

Am I locked in to a contract or minimum term?

Accepted Answer

Not at all - we want you to enjoy The Foundry Cowork as much or as little as you like. That's why we offer flexible options. Our various memberships are month-to-month with no lock-in contract or joining fee. If you'd prefer not to become a member, we offer casual day passes and day pass value packs.

Question 4

Why cowork when I can work from home?

Accepted Answer

As much as working in your PJs is appealing at first, the loneliness and distractions from working at home can become overwhelming over time. Spending some of your week at a coworking space can increase motivation, creativity and productivity by providing a sense of community. Coworkers socialise, network and collaborate, creating a supportive yet fun environment which can improve overall mental health and workplace wellbeing.

Question 5

Why cowork when I can work from a cafe?

Accepted Answer

Cafes are a popular place to work these days, but can often be noisy and distracting. They also lack office facilities like printing and powerpoints needed to get the job done. And if you're meeting a client, it can be hard to hear and focus on the conversation.

Question 6

What is hot-desking?

Accepted Answer

Find your desk, plug in and you're all set for a productive work day! We offer hot-desking at The Foundry for casual drop ins - you don't have to become a member to snap up a seat for the day in either of our coworking spaces.

Book a day pass online (hint: your first day is free if you use the code FDFree) as often as you like for only $39 + GST which includes wifi, printing, tea, coffee and snacks!

Hot-deskers or casual drop-ins enjoy many of the same day-to-day perks as Foundry members, with slightly shorter access from 9am - 5pm weekdays (members have 24/7 access - with lots of other benefits too).

Question 7

What's included in a membership?

Accepted Answer

Your membership includes 24/7 access to our professional office facilities such as high speed NBN WiFi, printing/scanning/copying, air-conditioning, full kitchen access with free continental breakfast, Nespresso coffee, specialty teas, biscuits (the good ones!), chilled spring water, snacks, beer and wine. Members also receive free weekly meeting room access, the ability to use our address for online marketing and mail/package delivery, a listing in the online members directory, a discount on paid events and exclusive invitation to members-only events.

Question 8

What furniture is provided?

Accepted Answer

Our coworking area is an open-plan space with a desk and chair per user. There are several 27" monitors available on a first-come first-served basis. Storage is also available to members only.

Question 9

How many coworking spaces do you have?

Accepted Answer

The Foundry Cowork has two coworking spaces on the Central Coast, located at Erina and Gosford. Both spaces offer hot-desking or casual drop-in options, as well as memberships.

We're also a WOTSO Flexspace partner - meaning if you're a Foundry Cowork member, you can access WOTSO's 21 amazing Flexspace locations for an incredible rate of $25/day.

Check out 'Coworking' under 'Services' for more information and to book.

Question 10

Is your office space accessible?

Accepted Answer

Our Gosford location is accessible with ground floor ramp access and lift access to accessible bathroom facilities.

Unfortunately our Erina location is located on the first floor without lift facilities.

Question 11

Is it pet friendly?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately pets are not permitted on the premises.

Question 12

Do I need to be a member to book the meeting room?

Accepted Answer

Not at all, our meeting room is available to the general public and can be hired by the hour, half day or full day. See the Meeting Room Hire page for pricing and to make a booking online.

Question 13

How do I book a tour?

Accepted Answer

We'll do better than that - come and work for a day for free!
Book online and use the code FDFree.

Question 14

What's parking like?

Accepted Answer

At Erina there is all day parking at the door. (Signs say 3 hours but it has not been patrolled for over 3 years and will we advise if this changes.)
At Gosford, there is limited unmetered street parking if you hunt around otherwise we recommend Gosford City Carpark, Imperial Shopping Centre or Central Coast Leagues Club if you're a member.

Question 15

Do you take casual drop-ins or do I have to become a member?

Accepted Answer

We love drop-ins. Book a day pass online (hint: your first day is free if you use the code FDFree) as often as you like for only $39 + GST which includes wifi, printing, tea, coffee and snacks!

Casual drop-ins have access 9am - 6pm weekdays whereas members have 24/7 access among other benefits.

Question 16

Where do I find pricing?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is shown on each page under 'Services' or 'Meeting Rooms' in the menu along the top.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions