THE Ormeau Baths co-working space in Belfast has reopened to members, having put in place a number of measures designed to keep people safe from the ongoing risk of coronavirus.
In March the entrepreneurial workspace, which supports indigenous tech start-ups, said it would waive membership fees for three months in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, but has now extended that holiday to include July to give members time to come back to the space gradually.
Workspaces have been redesigned to ensure social distancing can be observed, with fewer seats in meeting rooms and a reduced number of hot desks. Ormeau Baths’ event space has also been redesigned as overflow workspace and an area for socially distanced team meetings. Hand sanitising stations have been installed throughout and cleaning enhanced.
In addition to ensuring social distancing can be observed, the space now has thermal cameras at both entrances and secondary testing if an abnormal temperature is recorded.
General manager Claire Dowds said: “Members will notice things look a little different, but we believe it is important we get the doors to Ormeau Baths open again to allow people to interact and collaborate in person.
“Video calling was great for lockdown, but our members really value human connections and so being able to meet and talk in person will make a big difference.”
Ormeau Baths has more than 200 members, including 60 start-up companies, and is also home to the Ignite NI accelerator programmes, NI Screen’s Pixel Mill and Digital Catapult’s Immersive Lab.
Claire added: “Our risk assessment process has been rigorous and we have not rushed back. But because of the layout of our buildings, we’re confident we can provide a safe collaborative environment for members of our community who now want to work at Ormeau Baths again.
“Post-lockdown, more businesses are seeking a flexible option that allows them to work from home some of the time, so we are confident there will be continued interest in what we offer.”
