Co-working space, The ClassRooms, in Stanley Square © Life in Sale

Remote work doesn’t have to mean working from home. I've been working remotely from home, from coffee shops and even from the seaside, for over eight years. I'm the first to advocate the benefits of working from home, but occasionally, it's nice to work with others in a shared space. Sale has a number of places to grab a coffee and fire up the laptop to do some work.

But in Stanley Square, a remarkable transformation has taken place that could give smaller businesses the opportunity to find a new home for work. What was once an unused and forgotten storage space has emerged as ‘The ClassRooms’, a vibrant co-working space that embodies community, sustainability and modern-day collaboration.

First impressions?

While the decor is simple, it is well put together and appealing. A host of plants make the space feel alive and comfortable (all supplied by The ClassRoom's neighbouring plant shop, Green & Grounded). Spacious – and the glass-panelled walls that surround the office suites, allow plenty of daylight to come through, making the space feel even bigger.

Community at its core

One of the standout features of The ClassRooms is its seeming commitment to integrating within the local community. Thanks to its town centre location, this co-working space not only provides professionals with a conducive work environment but also positions them at the heart of the local community. If you’re a local M33 resident looking for a change of scenery for work, it’s an opportunity to work where you live. You can commute sustainably via walking, cycling or tram – by choosing this co-working space, you're making an eco-conscious choice that benefits both you and the environment.

The view over Stanley Square from The ClassRooms © Life in Sale

Stanley Square on the doorstep

One cannot help but appreciate the convenience of having Stanley Square’s offerings just a stone's throw away from your desk at the co-working space. From shopping to dining and enjoying a drink, The ClassRooms' location puts you in the midst of it all. It's not just a workspace; it's a lifestyle hub where work-life balance thrives. Also, tenants of The ClassRooms automatically qualify for a number of discounts at a selection of Stanley Square businesses, including Rum Rabbit Run, Stutter and Twitch and Flock Hair & Beauty.

Reviving unused spaces

The ClassRooms' commitment to environmental responsibility extends beyond its location. The space it occupies was once a redundant storage area and has been transformed into a thriving hub of productivity. This repurposing not only benefits the environment but also boosts the town centre's economy, creating a cycle of growth that will hopefully attract even more opportunities and amenities.

Personalised service

For those who have experienced co-working spaces before, you’ll know that poor management and disorganisation can be commonplace. The dedicated team that runs The ClassRooms, however, manage this building with a personal touch, ensuring that every tenant's needs are met to the best of their ability. It's a refreshing departure from the impersonal office experiences you might find elsewhere.

Modern amenities

The ClassRooms spare no effort when it comes to providing top-notch facilities. The fully furnished office spaces boast high-speed broadband and well-appointed boardroom facilities. Whether you're an SME or a sole trader seeking a desk, their short-term leases cater to various needs.

‘The Common Room’ – a shared meeting room available to book © Life in Sale

Flexible hot desking

Responding to demand and feedback since opening earlier in the year, The ClassRooms now offer hot desking options. For £300 per desk per month on flexible three-month terms, you can enjoy the benefits of co-working without long-term commitments. Day passes aren’t currently available (at the time of writing), but I’m told that management would consider it if the demand was there.

If you are looking for a space longer term, The ClassRooms offers all-inclusive rents for a minimum term of 12 months, ensuring you have the flexibility to adapt to your evolving business needs. All offices come fully furnished and cabled and tenants have access to communal kitchens, breakout areas and a shared meeting room.

Keen to experience The ClassRooms for yourself? For further details or to book a viewing, call the team at Canning O’Neill on 0161 244 5500.

The boring bits, that are actually very important

Meeting room? Yes – ‘The Common Room’ is available to book. You can even have catering organised if you ask nicely.
Wi-Fi? – Yes, you will receive 10-20MB of secure, fibre broadband included in your agreement.
Access? The ClassRooms has 24/7 access, making it ideal for those who work different patterns.
Kitchen? – Two shared kitchen areas that include crockery and utensils (plus tea and coffee).
Car park? – Stanley Square has a multistorey car park with around 300 spaces available (open Monday-Sunday, 7am-11.30pm). As a tenant at The ClassRooms, you are eligible for a discounted parking license.
Bike store? Yes – there is a secure bike store at the rear of The ClassRooms.
Showers? Yes – there are spacious shower facilities available on the ground floor.

📍The ClassRooms, Stanley Square, Sale M33 7XZ

👩🏻‍💻 Review by: Katy Ratican, Life in Sale editor and founder.

Review: The ClassRooms – A community-focused co-working space in Stanley Square