3 of the Best Coworking Spaces in Manchester: Colony, Cubo and Work.Life

Manchester has become one of the UK's most established destinations for flexible workspace, attracting entrepreneurs, freelancers, startups and major companies looking for alternatives to traditional office accommodation.

With a thriving business community, excellent transport connections and a growing selection of modern workplaces, there is no shortage of coworking spaces in Manchester.

However, choosing the right coworking environment involves more than simply finding an available desk. Location, facilities, atmosphere, membership flexibility and the type of professional community can all influence the decision.

To help narrow down the options, we've selected three of Manchester's standout coworking operators: Colony, Cubo and Work.Life.

Each offers a different approach to flexible working, from creative workspaces in historic industrial buildings to premium city-centre offices and community-focused coworking.

Our selection considers publicly available customer feedback, workspace facilities, location and the overall offering. It is an editorial shortlist rather than a definitive ranking of all Manchester coworking spaces.

1. Colony Coworking Manchester – Best for Creative Workspaces and Community

Colony Coworking is one of Manchester's established independent flexible workspace operators, offering coworking memberships, private offices and meeting facilities across several locations.

With workspaces in Ancoats, Piccadilly and other central Manchester districts, Colony has developed a distinctive portfolio of buildings that combine industrial character with contemporary office design.

Where Is Colony Located?

One of Colony's best-known venues is Jactin House, located at 24 Hood Street in Ancoats.

The building sits beside Cutting Room Square, an area known for its independent restaurants, cafés and creative businesses.

Jactin House occupies a historic building that has been transformed into a modern working environment.

Colony also operates other Manchester locations, including:

• Flint Glass Works, Ancoats: A converted industrial building with contemporary workspace and communal facilities.

• One Silk Street, Ancoats: Coworking and private offices with meeting facilities and a rooftop terrace.

• The Astley: A central location between Ancoats and the Northern Quarter.

• Colony Piccadilly: A convenient option for professionals requiring access to Manchester Piccadilly station.

The range of locations gives businesses flexibility when choosing their preferred working environment.

What Facilities Does Colony Offer?

Depending on the location and membership, Colony offers:

• Coworking desks and shared working areas

• Private serviced offices

• Meeting rooms

• High-speed internet connectivity

• Communal kitchens and breakout areas

• Rooftop terraces at selected locations

• Podcast and creative facilities at selected venues

• Day passes and ongoing memberships

One of Colony's distinguishing features is the character of its buildings.

Rather than offering identical office environments, its locations incorporate different architectural styles and communal spaces.

What Do Customers Like About Colony?

Colony's Manchester locations have attracted substantial positive public feedback, particularly around their working environments, communal facilities and staff.

Its combination of contemporary design and historic industrial buildings is a recurring attraction.

The community atmosphere may also appeal to professionals who value opportunities to meet other businesses.

As with any coworking provider, individual experiences can vary by location, membership and personal requirements.

Who Is Colony Best Suited To?

Colony is particularly worth considering for:

• Creative agencies and design businesses

• Freelancers and independent consultants

• Digital and technology startups

• Entrepreneurs seeking networking opportunities

• Growing businesses requiring private offices

• Professionals wanting to work in Ancoats

Our view: Colony is a strong choice for businesses seeking characterful coworking environments and a choice of locations across central Manchester.

Explore Colony Coworking's Manchester locations.

2. Cubo Manchester – Best for Premium Coworking and Corporate Facilities

For professionals seeking a more premium working environment, Cubo Manchester offers coworking and private offices in two prominent city-centre locations.

Cubo combines flexible workspace with hospitality-inspired facilities, creating an environment that can appeal to established businesses, consultants and companies that regularly host clients.

Where Is Cubo Located in Manchester?

Cubo operates from two central Manchester locations.

Cubo No. 1 Spinningfields

Located at No. 1 Spinningfields, Manchester, M3 3EB, this workspace is situated within one of the city's most recognisable commercial districts.

Spinningfields is associated with financial services, legal firms and other professional businesses.

For companies that value a prestigious city-centre location, it can be an attractive option.

Cubo The Lincoln

Cubo's second Manchester location is The Lincoln, situated at Lincoln Square on Brazennose Street, M2 5AD.

The building offers another central location with access to coworking facilities, private offices and communal amenities.

What Facilities Does Cubo Offer?

Cubo places considerable emphasis on the quality of its facilities and overall working environment.

Depending on the location, amenities include:

• Premium coworking and hot desks

• Furnished private offices

• Business-grade internet connectivity

• Meeting rooms

• Barista coffee facilities

• Communal breakout areas

• 24-hour access

• Concierge-style services

• Wellness facilities

• Rooftop hospitality space at Spinningfields

• Gym facilities at The Lincoln

These features distinguish Cubo from more traditional coworking environments focused primarily on desk access.

What Makes Cubo Different?

Cubo's approach is particularly relevant to businesses that view their office as part of their company image.

The interiors and shared amenities are designed to create a professional environment suitable for both employees and visiting customers.

For consultants, financial services firms and established companies, the availability of premium facilities can be an important consideration.

Cubo also operates locations in other UK cities, which may appeal to businesses whose employees travel regularly.

What Do Customers Like About Cubo?

Public feedback for Cubo's Manchester locations is generally positive, with particular appreciation for the quality of the facilities, central location and service provided by staff.

The premium interior design and hospitality amenities are also distinguishing characteristics.

Businesses should consider whether these additional facilities justify the membership cost compared with other coworking options.

Who Is Cubo Best Suited To?

Cubo may be particularly attractive to:

• Established professional services businesses

• Consultants and corporate teams

• Companies seeking a premium office environment

• Businesses regularly hosting clients

• Entrepreneurs who value high-quality amenities

• Organisations requiring flexible offices in Spinningfields

Our view: Cubo is particularly well suited to businesses prioritising premium facilities, professional presentation and a prominent Manchester city-centre address.

Explore Cubo Manchester's coworking and private offices.

3. Work.Life Manchester – Best for Flexible Memberships and a Community-Focused Environment

Work.Life Manchester offers a different approach to coworking, placing particular emphasis on community, wellbeing and flexible membership arrangements.

Located in central Manchester, Work.Life provides a professional working environment for freelancers, startups, remote workers and growing businesses.

Its approach combines modern workspace facilities with opportunities for members to connect through shared spaces and community activities.

Where Is Work.Life Manchester?

Work.Life Manchester is located at CORE, Brown Street, Manchester, M2 1DH.

The workspace is situated close to the King Street area and within walking distance of Manchester's main commercial districts.

Its central location makes it convenient for professionals travelling into the city by public transport.

Nearby restaurants, shops and cafés also provide amenities for members during the working day.

What Facilities Does Work.Life Offer?

Work.Life advertises a range of facilities designed to support both focused work and collaboration.

These include:

• Coworking desks and shared working areas

• Flexible membership options

• Private phone booths

• Bookable meeting rooms

• High-speed Wi-Fi

• Comfortable breakout areas

• Kitchen facilities

• Tea, coffee and snacks

• Bicycle storage

• Community events

• Dog-friendly arrangements

The availability of private telephone booths is particularly useful for professionals who regularly make video calls or need a quiet environment for confidential conversations.

Flexible Coworking Memberships

One of Work.Life's distinguishing features is its range of membership arrangements.

Its Flex membership is designed for professionals who require workspace for a limited number of days each month.

This can suit hybrid workers who divide their time between home and the office.

Unlimited memberships provide an alternative for individuals who expect to use the workspace more frequently.

For small businesses, these arrangements can offer an alternative to paying for permanent desks that may not be occupied every day.

Membership prices, access arrangements and availability should be confirmed directly with the operator.

A Focus on Community and Wellbeing

Work.Life places a strong emphasis on creating a positive workplace experience.

The operator is a certified B Corporation and promotes an approach that considers community, wellbeing and responsible business practices.

Its communal facilities and events are designed to encourage interaction between members.

This can be particularly appealing to freelancers and entrepreneurs who would otherwise spend much of their working week alone.

What Do Customers Like About Work.Life?

Work.Life is frequently highlighted in Manchester coworking guides for its friendly atmosphere, communal facilities and flexible membership approach.

The central location and community focus are particular attractions.

However, businesses should compare the facilities and membership arrangements with their individual requirements before committing.

Who Is Work.Life Best Suited To?

Work.Life may be particularly suitable for:

• Freelancers and self-employed professionals

• Remote and hybrid workers

• Startups and smaller teams

• Consultants who need occasional office access

• Entrepreneurs seeking networking opportunities

• Professionals who value community and wellbeing

Our view: Work.Life is a strong option for individuals and smaller businesses seeking flexible membership arrangements and a welcoming coworking community.

Explore Work.Life Manchester's coworking memberships.

Comparing the Three Coworking Operators in Manchester

Although Colony, Cubo and Work.Life all provide flexible workspace, they offer different working environments.

The best option depends on your working style, budget, preferred location and the facilities you need.

How Much Does Coworking in Manchester Cost?

Coworking prices in Manchester vary depending on the location, membership type, building specification and services included.

A flexible hot-desk membership may be suitable for someone attending a few days per month, while an unlimited membership can provide better value for regular users.

Private offices generally involve higher monthly costs but offer dedicated accommodation and greater privacy.

When comparing operators, consider:

• Monthly membership or office fees

• Minimum contract commitments

• Access hours

• Meeting room allowances

• Internet connectivity

• Additional charges

• Availability of private offices

• Access to other locations

• Cancellation and notice requirements

The cheapest membership is not necessarily the best value if it excludes facilities that your business regularly requires.

Which Manchester Coworking Space Should You Choose?

Each of the three operators has its own strengths.

Choose Colony if: You prefer characterful buildings, creative surroundings and a choice of coworking locations across Manchester.

Choose Cubo if: You prioritise premium facilities, hospitality-style amenities and a professional city-centre environment for your business and clients.

Choose Work.Life if: You're a freelancer, remote worker or small business seeking flexible memberships and a community-focused working environment.

Before deciding, arrange a viewing and spend time understanding the atmosphere of each workspace.

A venue that looks impressive online may not necessarily be the best fit for your day-to-day working requirements.

Find More Coworking Spaces in Manchester with Right Space

Colony, Cubo and Work.Life are three strong options to consider, but Manchester has a much wider selection of coworking spaces, serviced offices and flexible workplaces.

Depending on your requirements, you may also want to explore workspace around the Northern Quarter, Ancoats, Spinningfields, Piccadilly and other commercial districts.

Right Space helps businesses and professionals discover coworking spaces, serviced offices, private offices and meeting rooms in Manchester and across the UK.

Our directory allows users to explore different workspace options and connect directly with operators.

Unlike traditional commission-based office brokerage arrangements, Right Space does not charge customers or workspace operators commission or introduction fees for successful transactions.

Whether you're searching for a hot desk, a coworking membership or a private office for your team, comparing several venues can help you make a more informed decision.

Explore coworking spaces in Manchester with Right Space and find the right workspace for your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best coworking spaces in Manchester?

Colony, Cubo and Work.Life are three established operators worth considering. Each offers a different environment, from creative coworking spaces to premium corporate facilities and community-focused memberships.

Which coworking space is best for freelancers in Manchester?

Work.Life and Colony may appeal to freelancers seeking flexible memberships and opportunities to meet other professionals. The most suitable choice depends on location, price and attendance requirements.

Which coworking operator offers premium facilities in Manchester?

Cubo is particularly associated with premium workspace and hospitality-inspired amenities, including barista facilities and additional services at its Manchester locations.

Are there coworking spaces in Ancoats?

Yes. Colony operates several workspace locations in Ancoats, including Jactin House, Flint Glass Works and One Silk Street.

Can I rent a private office in a Manchester coworking centre?

Some coworking operators, including Colony and Cubo, also provide private office accommodation. Office sizes, availability and contract terms vary between buildings.

Can I use coworking space in Manchester for just one day?

Some providers offer day passes or other short-term arrangements. Check directly with the venue for current availability, pricing and booking requirements.

How do I find coworking spaces in Manchester?

You can research individual workspace operators or use a directory such as Right Space to explore coworking and flexible office accommodation across Manchester.