Together Co-Living is the first coliving concept of its kind in Australia, fueled by the aim to reshape the community living landscape. It introduces to Melbourne an all-in-one living solution that’s affordable, stylish and hassle-free. Having only recently opened their doors in January 2021, Together Co-Living caters to a variety of audiences, and their design-driven site offers 455 well-appointed rooms for students, travellers, digital nomads and young professionals alike.
Bringing a new standard of coliving to the inner- city suburb of Preston, the entire space is designed to create a perfect harmony between privacy and community, indoor and outdoor living, work and play. Boasting a total communal area of 3300 sqm, Together Co-Living offers access to a restaurant and bar, a fully equipped gym, an outdoor heated pool, sports courts, coworking spaces and other facilities such as communal kitchens – making it the ideal living hub where residents can thrive, grow, feel at home and make new connections.
FOSTERING A MELBOURNE-BASED COLIVING COMMUNITY
The Together Co-Living team believes that the sense of community should not be forced, but rather encouraged and naturally facilitated. Just because a number of people share one space doesn’t mean they all instantly feel that they are a part of a community. There needs to be an emotional connection between residents, shared values, regular engagement and collaboration. As a coliving operator, Together Co-Living helps facilitate relationships amongst guests and connect them to the local neighbourhood.
With this in mind, Together Co-Living always strives to involve residents in the creation of their community in a safe way and in compliance with local government regulations. The monthly event calendar is made up of engaging experiences that reflect guests’ interests based on their own suggestions, what they previously enjoyed or what activities they are personally involved in. For instance, one of the residents, who runs his own business teaching people how to confidently sell their personal brand on camera, offered to run a workshop for the coliving community. In another example, a pop- up cinema evening was organised by the Together Co-Living team, which received great feedback from the community, which subsequently suggested what movies the members wanted to watch next. Every resident can contribute to the growth and cultural enrichment of the community.
Together Co-Living’s events are not just a way to pass time for the residents, but have contributed to residents extending their stay and referring their friends and colleagues to move in as well. Furthermore, local partners are being involved to create these experiences for guests. This doesn’t
just encourage the residents to get involved with their broader community, but also strengthens partnerships between Together Co-Living and surrounding businesses.
TOGETHER CO-LIVING’S COMMUNITY-BUILDING APPROACH
Technology plays a large part in fostering a feeling of community at Together Co-Living as well as supporting the onboarding of new guests. Their custom- developed app, the G App, gives residents the opportunity to connect on virtual notice boards or via private messaging. All events are published on the G App, surveys are conducted and new residents get the chance to introduce themselves. Constantly improving this medium, Together Co-Living aims to make the G App an all-in-one virtual solution for residents to communicate, meet their neighbours and share knowledge.
Another important factor in how community is built within Together Co-Living is the abundance of communal spaces. Whether you want to work out together in the gym, enjoy a meal in the restaurant, cook in the communal kitchen or brainstorm in one of the meeting rooms – Together Co-Living is built to foster genuine interpersonal engagements.
Located in Melbourne’s most up-and-coming suburb, Together Co-Living is also a welcomed addition to Preston, set to bring a dynamic wave of creative energy and economic boost to the local area. Located within easy access to bus, tram and train lines – connecting residents to key working and shopping precincts, along with top universities – the site is also a short walk away from the vibrant High Street, with a wide selection of markets, restaurants and bars located on both sides of Bell Street.
By partnering up with local businesses and frequently holding community events to place the spotlight on various initiatives, whether it be in F&B, education, wellness or fitness, Together Co-Living becomes an active member of the neighbourhood and strives to always uplift the local community. For example, a nearby martial arts studio offers free Muay Thai classes for residents, the local hairdresser discounted their prices for Together Co-Living guests and an amazing life coach from Preston gives free clarity sessions, just to name a few of Together’s partnerships.
COLIVING SPACES AS A NEW WAY TO CONNECT
Within the next decade, the emphasis on affordability and flexibility as key elements of coliving will keep growing as a response to the demand for better living solutions in order to face the increased cost of living. The coliving sector is bridging the housing gap that isn’t supported by any of the other types of accommodation categories. It gives flexibility and is a much welcomed departure from the traditional residential market.
The coliving sector has an undeniably promising future as it gives individuals the ability to move about freely, chase exciting career prospects and make memories through new experiences, all whilst connecting with like-minded people and maintaining a healthy work/ life balance. There is an emphasis on collaboration, convenience, cost and community that makes coliving unique. As human beings, we want to belong and coliving spaces like Together Co-Living can help pave the path towards a new lifestyle.
