Koba: Introduction
Koba is taking its next big step by opening a new site at The Rowe in Aldgate East, London. Following the success of their flagship Manchester office, the world’s first WELL Coworking Rated flexible workspace, this move highlights how Koba is redefining premium, sustainable workspace across the UK.
The London opening reflects a growing demand for flexible office solutions that put people and planet at the centre. With a prime location just minutes from Aldgate East tube station, Koba @ The Rowe will cater for startups and large teams alike, combining evidence-based design with top-tier sustainability credentials.
A Business Built Around People and Planet
From the very beginning, Koba has set out to create work environments that go beyond style. Their approach is built on three pillars: health, well-being, and sustainability. By combining high-performance layouts with circular design, biophilia, and responsible materials, they create spaces where people feel better, work smarter, and impact the planet less.
Managing Director Paul Nellist explains:
“Our aim is to create spaces that support productivity, well-being, and sustainability in equal measure. Koba @ The Rowe gives us the opportunity to showcase that philosophy in one of the world’s most competitive markets, and to do it in partnership with Frasers Property in a building that already meets the highest environmental standards.”
Manchester: Where It Started
Before turning their sights to London, Koba made history in Manchester. Their first site achieved the world’s first WELL Coworking certification, a landmark moment that proved flexible workspaces could meet rigorous standards for health and wellbeing.
Koba @ 100 Barbirolli Square provided the proof of concept. It demonstrated that businesses of all sizes are actively seeking spaces that benefit their employees while making a positive environmental impact. Their first location has since become a model for what sustainable, people-focused offices can achieve.
Koba @ The Rowe: Raising the Bar
The Rowe, an award, winning redevelopment in the City of London, will be home to Koba’s London debut. Occupying 24,548 square feet across the fifth and sixth floors, the office has been designed to accommodate teams from two, to 200 people.
Facilities will include private office suites, plug-and-play meeting rooms, coworking areas, breakout zones, a café, and curated event spaces. Resdients will benefit from private terraces, a rooftop garden with panoramic city views, and access to best in class meeting rooms. The Rowe itself is certified BREEAM ‘Excellent’ and WELL ‘Gold’, perfectly aligning with Koba’s sustainability manifesto.
As Nellist puts it:
“The Rowe offers an incredible foundation for us to deliver our vision. We’re not simply providing desks – we’re creating environments that inspire, perform, and contribute positively to society and the planet.”
Sustainability in Action with Play It Green
Koba’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond design. Through Play It Green’s Climate Positive Workforce, their team receives weekly sustainability education, tools for net zero, and monthly planting of trees, mangroves, and sea kelp.
In addition, Koba plants trees, mangroves, and sea kelp for every resident, linking growth directly to repairing the planet. With 10% of revenues regifted to charity, their expansion creates both environmental and social impact.
Richard Dickson, CEO of Play It Green, said:
“Koba shows that workspaces can combine comfort, performance, and sustainability. We’re proud to support them through the Climate Positive Workforce and tree planting with every office sold, creating measurable impact at scale.”
Koba: Wrap Up
The launch of Koba @ The Rowe is a milestone for the business and for sustainable offices in the capital. With 100 Barbirolli Square proving the model and London raising the bar, Koba is setting a fresh standard for spaces that combine premium services, evidence-based design, and measurable sustainability.
By working with Play It Green, every resident contributes to repairing nature and supporting good causes. It’s a clear example of how growth and responsibility can go hand in hand, and why Koba is such a valued part of our community.
Join Koba in Taking Sustainable Action
By partnering with Play It Green, you can integrate sustainable action, education, tree planting, mangrove restoration, seaforestation and social impact into your life and business operations.
Every action contributes to restoring the planet.
