Digital Work Hub Project report launched

The key findings and recommendations from the report Digital Work Hubs: An Activation Framework for South East Queensland were publicly presented at the State Library on December 6, following a year-long collaborative project between five RDA committees (Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Moreton Bay, Logan & Redlands, and the Gold Coast).

Digital work hubs are vibrant workspaces equipped with the latest information and telecommunication technology, meeting room facilities, event space, kitchens and cafes. The report found that establishing a network of digital work hubs across South-East Queensland could provide the catalyst for revitalising suburban and regional areas by attracting businesses and knowledge workers who choose to live there. These digitally connected workspaces allow independent workers such as freelancers, consultants and home-based business operators, as well as employees from large private and public organisations, to work in a collaborative, creative and connected environment which is closer to their home.

RDA Brisbane sees the development of digital work hubs as an opportunity to reduce the daily commute for some of Brisbane's CBD workers. An important outcome for Brisbane in having hubs located outside the city or in outer Brisbane suburbs is a potential reduction in traffic congestion and resultant emissions pollution.

The aim of the Digital Work Hub Project was to examine the opportunities and challenges for establishing a network of hubs across South-East Queensland (SEQ).

The Digital Work Hub report proposes a nine-point plan for activating a framework in SEQ. The project research will benefit public policy and urban planning professionals, potential investors in or providers of digital work hub services, and private and public sector organisations benefiting from flexibility in employee location and reduction in inner-city office rent.