The Commons, Australia’s leading coworking provider, has released a first look at its newly opened Toorak Road, South Yarra, property – the company’s 19th workspace nationally and second with an integrated Health Club.
Located within the newly redeveloped 189 Toorak Road building, the workspace occupies levels four to six of the property, with the Health Club extending from the basement through to level three. Behind the restored façade of the former South Yarra Coffee Palace, originally built in 1887, the interiors have been entirely reimagined as a contemporary workplace and wellness destination.
The opening builds on The Commons’ established presence in Melbourne’s inner south-east, with existing nearby locations on Wilson Street, South Yarra and Cremorne Street, Richmond.
“This being our second site in South Yarra, we wanted to create a space that reflects the energy, creativity and lifestyle that make the neighbourhood so distinctive,” said Cliff Ho, Co-founder and CEO of The Commons.
“It brings together work and wellness in one connected environment, supporting our members with a more balanced and inspiring way to work, while fostering the sense of community that defines The Commons – all in true South Yarra style.”
Designed in partnership with renowned Melbourne studio DesignOffice, the project pairs heritage character at street level with a clean, contemporary interior. Curved forms, natural textures and a warm material palette of timber, cork and concrete create a considered environment that supports productivity, performance and recovery.
Mark Simpson, DesignOffice Creative Director, said the design approach focused on connectivity and movement across the multi-level site.
“The brief called for a connected and dynamic workspace. Our response centres on a new staircase that acts as the spatial spine of the project, visually open and anchoring the relationship between shared spaces across three levels,” he said.
“The arrival lobby takes cues from a boutique hotel and sets the tone for the overall design language. The planning is structured to encourage intuitive movement and connection, with social and support spaces distributed throughout to foster a cohesive community, all with direct access to the Health Club below.”
The location’s workspace amenities include an auditorium, parents’ room, executive boardroom, library, end-of-trip facilities and a curated community events program, while the Health Club includes a full-service gym, boutique studios, a bathhouse with a hot magnesium pool, cold plunge, steam room, infrared and traditional saunas, as well as a ground-floor café open to the public.
Located one minute from South Yarra Station and moments from Chapel Street tram services, the new location provides members with direct access to public transport, retail, hospitality and cultural amenity, further strengthening its appeal to businesses and creative teams seeking a premium, well-connected address.
DesignOffice has been a key collaborator in expanding The Commons’ offering – from the integration of hospitality-led spaces, including wine bars at Collins Street and Martin Place locations, through to the Health Clubs at Richmond and now South Yarra.
“We have a rewarding and ongoing dialogue with The Commons. A key part of the process for us is to spend time working and socialising at The Commons, continually reviewing the spaces we design and talking with members and community managers to understand the way they work and what design can do to enhance and support their day,” said Simpson.
The Commons Toorak Road South Yarra opening continues the company’s growth trajectory since launching its first location on Gipps Street, Collingwood, in 2016.
With 19 locations now operating across Melbourne and Sydney, and marking its 10-year anniversary this year, The Commons continues to redefine the workplace category through design-led spaces, a strong community focus and a modern, lifestyle-driven member experience.
Photography – Dave Kulesza