New website targets property accommodation needs of ‘post-pandemic’ generation

A new website highlighting office availability across Oxfordshire has been launched in response to the post-pandemic requirements of business in 2021.

Commercial property specialists VSL has launched a website Growzone www.growzone.space to properly cater for the new offices needs of business in the “new normal”. It is likely that agile, more flexible working will become more prevalent which, in turn, will necessitate a different type of workspace.

Growzone is a new concept which maps all available serviced and flexible accommodation in the county, allowing potential occupiers to quickly match their needs with a location that suits them.

It also acts as a shop window for landlords and flexible office providers, giving them greater visibility to a wider range of prospective tenants.

VSL Director Richard Venables said: “In recent years Oxfordshire has seen a major rise in demand for flexible accommodation which suits hi-tech start-ups and spin-out companies coming out of the universities.

“This demand is increasing further as we emerge from the pandemic with new businesses wanting accommodation without being tied into a long lease, while established firms see more staff working from home meaning they need a more flexible solution.”

According to the Future of Work 2020: A Global Real Estate Players’ Point of View,” report from the Urban Land Institute, there is a major shift from the ‘office’ to the ‘workplace’.

Commercial property professionals expect increased remote working, including more home working (96 per cent), more remote working away from the home (72 per cent) and more use of satellite offices at the edge of cities (67 per cent).

Richard added: “Growzone will help identify occupier accommodation needs while they focus on running their business. Landlords can also have greater visibility to ensure deals can be done more quickly.”

The Kidlington based firm, VSL & Partners was established 18 years ago.