Hi, I’m Fereshte Zamen (Comms, Marketing & SEO volunteer at KPC), and over the past few months at Kinning Park Complex I’ve had the chance to explore what makes our shared spaces special not just as desks and rooms, but as part of a living, breathing community on Glasgow’s Southside.

To understand what draws people here, I designed a short questionnaire for two of our coworking members Celisse and Bobby who both use KPC as their base for work. Their stories capture what many of us already feel when we walk through the doors: that KPC isn’t just a place to work, it’s a place to belong.

Celisse: Finding Focus and Familiar Faces

Celisse works with a third-sector consultancy and social enterprise, balancing professional life with family and community commitments. For her, choosing Kinning Park Complex as a coworking base wasn’t just about convenience it was about connection.

“It’s close to where I live and where my son’s nursery is,” she said. “I’ve known the KPC for years, so it’s nice to be part of it now that it’s wind and watertight!”

When she describes the space, her face lights up:

“The big windows are lovely, no matter the weather. It’s quiet at times, but there’s a real buzz when the building gets busy.”

Celisse mostly works from a desk in the coworking room but sometimes takes a break in the kitchen area or on the fourth floor landing. What stands out to her most, though, isn’t the furniture it’s the feeling.

“Facilities, accessibility, proximity, and community all stand out. Having somewhere to go each day really helps my productivity and I’ve met a few lovely people through community meals.”

Like many who work here, Celisse appreciates that her coworking fees help fund community activities from free lunches to the garden projects.

“There are other coworking options, but I like that KPC is local and run by a social enterprise. It feels good to know that the money supports something meaningful.”

Bobby: A Space with Light, History, and Heart

For Bobby, who works with the University of the Highlands and Islands, the connection to KPC goes back years he was once on the board before the building’s big transformation.

“The first time I worked here after the refurbishment, I was blown away by the light and space in the coworking area,” he said. “It’s amazing to see what the building has become.”

Bobby uses the desks and booths much like Celisse, but his appreciation for the space goes beyond practicality.

“My main office is in Perth, so working here saves me a two-hour commute every day. But it’s not just about that it’s about being part of my community again.”

When asked what makes KPC different, his answer perfectly sums up what coworking here really means:

“If you want a standard coworking space, go elsewhere. But if you want to share an incredible space with amazing people and look up from your screen to broaden your mind you’ll feel at home here.”

For Bobby, coworking at KPC is about keeping the spirit of the place alive:

“You wouldn’t want KPC to be full of people just looking at computers. You want artists, activists, gardeners, creatives and I’m proud that by working here, I help keep that mix going.”

More Than a Desk: A Community

What shines through both stories is that coworking at KPC is different. It’s not just a space to plug in your laptop it’s part of a wider ecosystem of community meals, creative projects, and local connection.

The big windows, friendly faces, and local roots make it the kind of place that feels both productive and human. Whether you’re a freelancer, an artist, a social enterprise worker, or someone just looking for a change from home-working, there’s something special about sharing a building that gives back to the community.

If you’d like to explore our coworking options, meeting rooms, or event spaces, you can find more details on our Room Hire and Desk Hire pages.

Closing Thoughts

Celisse and Bobby’s experiences remind us that places like Kinning Park Complex thrive when people use them when the lights are on, the coffee’s brewing, and conversations are flowing between neighbours, creatives, and change makers.

Working here isn’t just about finding a desk it’s about finding your place in Glasgow’s Southside community.