Meet Mike Westbury from The Space Wellington

People Behind the Space: The Space Wellington

In the heart of Wellington’s CBD, The Space offers more than just desks and Wi-Fi; it’s a coworking hub built on warmth, connection, and genuine community. Founded by entrepreneur and former recruitment leader Mike Westbury, The Space was born from a simple idea: that work should feel good.

Designed for small business owners, consultants, and remote workers who crave both focus and camaraderie, it’s a place where meaningful conversations happen over coffee, and ideas come to life in a calm, friendly environment.

What first sparked the idea to create The Space Wellington?

The idea came from a mix of practicality and community. After years of running a team in recruitment, I shifted to a more focused way of working and realised how much I valued the energy of being around others, those spontaneous chats that spark ideas. I also saw a gap between big commercial coworking operators and the isolation of a home office. I wanted to create something personal and friendly for people like me: small business owners, consultants, and remote workers who value connection and productivity in equal measure.

How did your background in recruitment and leadership influence the way you designed and built this coworking environment?

Recruitment taught me a lot about people, what motivates them, how they work best, and how the environment shapes performance. After 20 years helping businesses attract and retain talent, I naturally thought about culture first. I designed The Space like a small company with great chemistry, clear values, social connection, and a sense of belonging.

What was the most important thing you wanted people to feel when they walk into The Space?

That they belong. I wanted it to feel warm, calm, and grounded, not like an office but not a café either. When someone walks in, they should immediately sense that they’re part of something, even if it’s their first day. The tone is friendly and down-to-earth. We’re not about hype or hustle; it’s about real people doing meaningful work alongside others who get it.

How does the design and layout of The Space help shape its culture and community?

The design is intentionally human scale. There are no sterile fit-outs or big corporate vibes; it’s more like a boutique shared office than a coworking chain. The open plan layout encourages natural interaction, but it’s small enough that everyone gets to know each other. The shared kitchen and communal areas create moments for connection, collaboration, and laughter. It feels relaxed but purposeful, which is exactly the culture we wanted to build.

What kind of people or businesses do you find thrive most here?

We’ve got a mix of professionals, including lawyers, project managers, engineers, recruiters, coaches, and tech specialists, all doing different things but united by similar values. The people who thrive here are independent yet social, serious about their work but easy-going in nature. They appreciate being around others who are driven, generous, and grounded.

Can you share a memorable story or piece of feedback from someone who’s joined The Space?

One of my favourite moments was after our first community lunch. A new tenant told me it was the first time in years they’d felt genuinely connected at work, that they’d forgotten how nice it was to just talk about life over food with people outside their own business. That summed up why I started The Space. It’s not just desks and Wi-Fi; it’s about creating a place where work feels better because of who you’re surrounded by.

How do you approach building a strong coworking culture in a city like Wellington?

Wellington already has an incredible sense of community. People here tend to collaborate more than they compete. We’ve built on that by keeping things intentionally small and personal. I’m hands-on with every tenant, making sure everyone fits the vibe. We host shared lunches, informal drinks, and small events that feel natural rather than forced. The goal is to make The Space feel like the best parts of working in a team, without the politics or rigidity of a big office.

If you could have any three well-known people working in The Space, who would they be, and why?

Sir John Kirwan, for his openness about mental health and leadership. He represents the kind of authenticity and balance we value.

Richard Branson, for his creativity, fun, and people-first approach to business. He’d be the first to start a conversation in the kitchen and the last to leave it.

Lisa Carrington, for her focus, humility, and quiet determination. She embodies balance and excellence, which perfectly mirrors what we try to foster here.

What’s next for The Space Wellington? Any exciting plans or developments on the horizon?

We’re exploring ways to replicate the model beyond our current site by helping other building owners or small businesses with spare desks create their own “mini Space” communities. I’d love to see a network of authentic, human-scale coworking hubs across New Zealand that share the same values. We’re also continuing to grow our member benefits and partnerships with local cafés, gyms, and wellness providers, bringing that big-company feel to small business life.

And finally, what’s your favourite spot in The Space, and why?

The kitchen. It’s where everything happens, from the morning banter to the problem-solving and introductions. It’s the heart of the place. I’ve always believed culture happens in the in-between moments, and the kitchen captures that perfectly.

The Space Wellington - More Than Just a Coworking Hub

At its heart, The Space Wellington is more than a coworking hub; it’s a reflection of Mike Westbury’s belief that work feels better when you’re surrounded by good people. His thoughtful approach to design, culture, and community has created a place where connection and productivity thrive side by side. As The Space continues to grow, it remains grounded in its core purpose: helping people feel at home while doing their best work.