The Inspiring Coworking Space on the Surf Coast – Happy Spaces

February 12, 2025

A truly connective culture can be difficult to achieve in any environment, even in a coworking space on the Surf Coast. Yet, when you spend time with Kerstin and Matty, you get a real sense of how they’ve managed to foster such a strong community here in Torquay. Happy Spaces is more than just a workspace, it’s a testament to the power of connection, belonging, and the beauty of living and working along the stunning Surf Coast.

How Happy Spaces Became a Leading Coworking Space on the Surf Coast

When Matty first moved to Torquay, he wanted to create a lifestyle that centred on community and work-life balance. Having spent years in corporate branding and marketing, working with brands like New Balance and Nintendo, he had grown tired of the nine-to-five grind and the long commutes that drained his time. “I wanted to work close to home, be in the village, and be around other people in a space filled with natural light and access to nature,” he recalls. “I didn’t want to commute anymore.”

His journey began back in 2016 when he opened his first coworking space in Bayside, Melbourne. It was here that Matty realized how blending work with community could transform lives. His vision was clear: to create a coworking environment where people could reclaim their time and find meaningful connections.

When Matty relocated to Torquay, he brought that vision with him, determined to create the same sense of belonging in a coworking space on the Surf Coast. After spending a year meeting local businesses and networking at cafes, he found the perfect spot on Gilbert Street, overlooking the picturesque Front Beach. Happy Spaces Torquay was born in late 2019, providing professionals with an inspiring place to work and connect.

From Corporate Life to Community-Driven Work

For Matty, leaving the corporate world to build a community-focused coworking space was a liberating experience. “Corporate culture didn’t fully align with who I was,” he explains. “It was about people being secondary to profits. I wanted to balance that to create a place where people could thrive locally and on their own terms.”

Kerstin: The Heart of Happy Spaces

A couple of years after opening, Matty met Kerstin, who would become the heart of Happy Spaces. Having recently moved to the Surf Coast after a trip around Australia, Kerstin was looking for a way to feel more connected to her community. Like many others, she had grown weary of commuting to Melbourne for work, leaving little time for her family.

“I knew I wanted to do something local,” she says. “I wanted to be part of the community and feel more connected to where I lived.”

After attending an event at Happy Spaces, Kerstin felt an immediate sense of belonging. She approached Matty, asking how she could get involved. Recognizing her warmth and passion for community, Matty knew she was exactly what Happy Spaces needed.

What Sets This Coworking Space Apart on the Surf Coast

Happy Spaces isn’t just another coworking space. It’s a haven designed to reflect the natural beauty of the Surf Coast, with ocean-inspired flooring, large windows that bathe the space in natural light, and sustainable materials throughout.

But the real magic lies in the community. Members come for the desk but stay for the community. Whether it’s shared lunches, impromptu kitchen conversations, or collaborative projects, Happy Spaces feels like a second home.

Fostering a Community Ripple Effect

Beyond its coworking offerings, Happy Spaces is dedicated to creating a positive ripple effect across the Surf Coast. Their initiative, “Ripple,” brings together local businesses and entrepreneurs to connect and collaborate. By hosting networking sessions and events, Ripple helps businesses make an impact and grow.

“It’s all about lifting each other up,” Kerstin explains. “When our community thrives, everyone benefits.”

Discover the Surf Coast’s Coworking Community

Happy Spaces embodies everything that makes the Surf Coast special, community, connection, and a deep appreciation for work-life balance. “We’re so grateful to be part of this incredible Surf Coast community,” Matty says. “Seeing people build relationships and find a place where they feel at home, that’s what it’s all about for us.”

If you’re searching for a coworking space on the Surf Coast, explore their listing on our site for more details. To experience the magic yourself, book a tour and see why Happy Spaces is the perfect coworking space for you.

Author

Shaun Doyle

Shaun Doyle is the founder of Surfcoast Connect, a platform dedicated to showcasing the unique businesses that make the Surfcoast region so special. As a local business owner himself, Shaun understands the challenges of navigating the online world and the importance of genuine connection. He created Surfcoast Connect to simplify the discovery of local businesses for both residents and visitors, focusing on the people and stories behind each venture.

Category Leading Business

Happy Spaces

Happy Spaces is a dynamic coworking hub in the heart of Torquay, offering flexible workspaces, meeting rooms, and event areas for professionals and entrepreneurs. Founded by community-driven Matty Lawrence, it fosters connections and collaboration that help businesses flourish close to home. Explore their profile to see how Happy Spaces can elevate your work experience.