This expansion reflects the next step in its strategy to maximise value from commercial and amenity spaces in residential-led developments, as part of its unified operational platform spanning Build-to-Rent, Purpose-Built Student Accommodation and Co-Living.
Apex West Hampstead, created as part of Astir Living’s £120m West Hampstead Central development, has already become a thriving hub for local professionals and entrepreneurs. Phase one introduced eleven private offices, 49 hot desks, Zoom booths, a podcast studio and lounge to an underserved local market. Phase two, already 40% pre-let, will add 17 further private offices and 100 additional desks, meeting the growing demand for high-quality, flexible workspace in the area. A third phase is planned to launch later this summer.
“We’re proud to be expanding Apex at West Hampstead Central — the only coworking space in the neighbourhood,” said Mariana Prună, General Manager at Apex. “It’s a place where convenience meets community, offering professional-grade facilities in a relaxed, neighbourhood setting. Members enjoy 24/7 access, lightning-fast WiFi, on-site showers, bike storage, and pet-friendly policies — all designed to support dynamic, modern ways of working.”
Behind Apex is Alchemy RE, which was co-founded by Matt Pullen (former CEO of Apo Group) and Nic Simpkin (former CFO of Berkeley Group) earlier this year with the aim of redefining how residential-led developments are activated and managed, adding tangible additional value for owners and developers.
Matt Pullen, CEO of Alchemy RE said “We’re all aware of the housing crisis in London and have seen the effects of supply falling whilst demand is rising. We think the best way to make more schemes viable is to use creative approaches like Apex to add value. We’re working with investors and developers to implement that, using our years of sector experience to create optimal assets and sharing the performance risk and reward of what we deliver as a true operating partner.”
Alchemy RE is actively building its pipeline in London and across major UK cities, working with a range of developer and investor partners.