It’s the ideal launch pad.

As ever more entrepreneurs trade the grotty start-up office for a sleek, cost-effective hot desk, Cork’s newest co-working space was officially launched this week by An Tánaiste Simon Coveney, TD.

Glandore’s swanky new flexible workspace, City Quarter at Lapp’s Quay, is an industrial design fan’s dream.

The stylish 18,000 sq ft. facility, the result of a €1 million investment, opened in November with capacity for over 300 desks of flexible workspace, coworking and private office space as well as social, meeting and event space.

The Scott Tallon Walker designed building can accommodate an individual freelancer to a team of 300 on flexible terms from one month upwards, with cosy spots for quiet contemplation, comfy sofas for informal chats and private boardrooms for important meetings.

Prices aren’t bad either; an immediate set up starts at €75 per month for Coworking Community Desk Memberships, hot desks are available from €300 per month and dedicated desks start at €400 per month – significantly less than the cost of renting and fitting out an office while you get started.

Members can avail of a range of perks too, from the all-important supply of Nespresso coffee and a complimentary wellness programme to a carefully curated range of onsite events, including business advisory and development seminars as well as workshops and social and networking events.

Add-ons include dry-cleaning, printing, package collection and call forwarding – all the tedious tasks that are guaranteed to distract you from building your business in those long early days (or years).

All that and the opportunity to hang out with some like-minded creatives and business owners? Beats slogging away in your spare room for the foreseeable.

Check out the website to register for membership.