Urban HQ Welcomes First Members

8th September 2020

Urban HQ has reported a significant increase in demand from corporates seeking a more flexible offering for their employees.

Opening in September in the iconic Eagle Star House, Urban HQ has signed up multiple organisations from a variety of industries and will be more akin to a boutique hotel than an office building.

A few of the first members to move in will include McGarrigle Legal, realTime Recruitment and wealth management firm Charles Stanley.

Jamie McCoubrey, Managing Director at Urban HQ said:

“The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we work and the demand we are seeing from organisations keen to provide a more flexible working environment for employees is even greater than expected.

“Urban HQ is design-led flexible workspace that has been developed with our member organisations and the wellbeing of their employees at the heart of every decision. At 32,000 sq. ft. Eagle Star House has presented itself as the perfect location to facilitate a variety of workspace solutions whilst facilitating social distancing.

“Safety in the workplace is key to getting the economy back on its feet and we have implemented a number of measures to make sure our members feel confident and safe.

“Thermal cameras have been installed to identify anyone entering the building with a raised temperature, one-way systems and floor signage is in place, and we have invested in state-of-the-art ventilation systems that provide 100% filtered fresh air to every office.

“Since announcing the concept we have received huge interest, but this has gone beyond even what we expected in recent months. The interest is coming from organisations of varying sizes and from a broad range of sectors so we are delighted we will be opening with such a high occupancy rate and have many more already signed up to move in later this year.”

Urban HQ comprises eight separate kitchens, and 35 self-contained washroom facilities enabling more than 500 members to space out across the eight floors of the Upper Queen Street property.

Ahead of relocation to Urban HQ Claire Nixon, IT Recruitment Manager at realTime Recruitment, said:

“2021 will celebrate realTime’s tenth anniversary in Belfast and our move to Urban HQ really signifies the start of our next chapter and is perfect for our evolution here in Northern Ireland.

“With a real focus on the IT sector, the best-in-class connectivity through the Wired Certification Platinum from WiredScore at Urban HQ means internet connection  speed is something we’ll never have to worry about.

“As an organisation we place great emphasis on collaboration and wellbeing, so the communal areas and member wellbeing initiatives are really appealing to ensure we can support our employees.

“The team has thought of everything and Urban HQ provides the perfect base for realTime as we continue our growth trajectory.”

Also preparing for a move to Urban HQ is Kieran McGarrigle, Principal at McGarrigle Legal, who said:

“The experience and knowledge of the team at Urban HQ is second to none. They have thought of everything which has made the process very easy.

“We are a boutique commercial firm and felt that the approach and values at Urban HQ were very similar to our own, in that clients receive a personal service tailored exactly to their needs.

“The city centre location makes it extremely easy for our team members to commute and also to meet with clients, many of whom are within the vicinity.

“Urban HQ is a different class of flexible workspace for Belfast and is really much more than just a desk or a space to work. There is room for growth, which is extremely appealing as McGarrigle Legal has plans to grow in the next few years.”

Alexandra Price, Director of Financial Planning, Charles Stanley, said: 

“We have just celebrated our first anniversary in Belfast and we are delighted to move into a more permanent base at Urban HQ, which is an amazing flexible space with fantastic facilities, and makes getting back to the office an exciting prospect after working from home for so long.”

Commenting on the move to Urban HQ Neil Torney, Director of Financial Planning at Charles Stanley added:

“It will also allow us to grow and expand, as with the market and future so uncertain due to the pandemic, many people are now looking at their financial situation and how they can make the most of their money and achieve the lifestyle and goals they are hoping for, and are looking for advice.”

Once moved in, Urban HQ members can take advantage of the spacious facilities including light-filled meeting rooms, offices, focus rooms, phone booths, central lounge areas, rooftop terrace and a dedicated wellness room.

Urban HQ is currently offering no deposits and up to 3 months’ rent free for all new deals signed before 1st October 2020

To arrange a viewing of the Show Office or for further information, please contact: jamie@urban-hq.co.uk

Alternatively call us on +44 (0)2890 450 850