Quay Space versus Runway East in Birmingham: A Comparison

Would you rather work near Broad Street or close to Birmingham New Street? Both Quay Space and Runway East provide flexible workspace, but their locations and advertised formats suit different routines. The Quay Space versus Runway East in Birmingham decision may also depend on whether you need a virtual office, a dedicated desk or a larger private suite. For another local reference point, read our Quay Space versus Victoria Square Workrooms comparison.

Before you choose, weigh the commute, workspace type, community and complete monthly cost, rather than relying on a broad claim about flexibility. CBRE’s Birmingham coworking criteria also highlight these practical selection factors. Ask each provider for a written quote that clarifies which facilities and meeting-room use are included in your chosen plan.

Quay Space versus Runway East: quick comparison

The clearest contrast is the advertised mix of services. Quay Space lists both physical workspace and options such as event space and a virtual office. Runway East emphasises desks, private offices and enterprise suites, alongside meeting rooms and communal facilities. Your best fit depends on which of those formats you will actually use.

Quay Space

Best for: Freelancers, small businesses and larger teams looking for a Broad Street base with several workspace formats to consider.

Quay Space is based at Quayside Tower on Broad Street, with coworking, hot desks, private offices and larger office space among its listed options. Its site also describes meeting rooms, event space and a virtual office service. That range may be useful if you want to compare a day-to-day desk with a business address or a venue for an event.

The provider lists spaces for groups from 1 to 50 people, alongside amenities such as parking, reception services, mail services and IT support. It also lists 24-hour access, but you should confirm which access arrangements apply to your specific membership or rental.

Pros:

• A broad mix of workspace formats, including coworking, private offices, meeting rooms and virtual office services.
• Its Broad Street location may suit teams who want a central address near dining and cultural venues.
• The published amenities include parking, reception and mail services, which may help with day-to-day office needs.

Cons:

• The public homepage reviewed does not provide an itemised price list, so you will need a quote to compare costs.
• Ask for the applicable access and agreement terms alongside the quote, as the homepage does not set them out in detail.

Runway East

Best for: Teams seeking a central location, dedicated desks or private offices, with meeting rooms and a published starting price to help frame an initial budget.

Runway East’s Birmingham site is at Arca on Temple Row. It lists dedicated desks, private offices and enterprise suites, with options advertised for teams from 1 to 50. The site places New Street and Snow Hill stations a three-minute walk away. It also lists 10 meeting rooms and a rooftop terrace.

Its Birmingham page describes the pricing as all-inclusive, including business rates, utilities, cleaning, tea and coffee, and team events. On 5 October 2026, the page listed office options from £395 plus VAT per desk. Treat that as a starting point, not a quote for every desk or office. Meeting-room use has membership allowances, and additional charges may apply when those allowances are exceeded.

Pros:

• A choice of desks, offices and enterprise suites can support different team sizes and workspace needs.
• The published all-inclusive pricing details make it easier to see which stated costs are included in the price.
• Meeting rooms, communal areas and a rooftop terrace add options beyond a private desk or office.
• The central location is close to two major rail stations, according to the provider.

Cons:

• Standard pricing is based on 12-month terms. Shorter agreements are possible, but use custom pricing, so ask for a tailored quote if you need a shorter commitment.
• Check the meeting-room allowance and any overage charges against your specific membership before comparing total costs.

How should you make the final choice?

Start with your typical working week. If you need flexible hot-desk use, event space or a virtual office, check whether Quay Space’s listed options match your priorities. If a dedicated desk, a private suite or meeting-room access matters more, compare Runway East’s membership choices and the allowances attached to them.

Next, assess the route rather than the postcode alone. Runway East gives a stated walking time to New Street and Snow Hill, while Quay Space is on Broad Street. If step-free rail access matters to your team, Network Rail’s New Street accessibility details describe step-free access to all platforms. Check the full journey from your usual station or bus stop, not only the final walk.

Finally, compare written quotes on the same basis: desk or office type, access, included services, meeting-room allowances and contract length. The Birmingham Office Market Forum describes a changing city-centre office market and continuing demand for Grade A space. That broad market context does not determine which flexible workspace suits your business.

If you are expanding your shortlist, our comparisons of Runway East versus Victoria Square Workrooms and Quay Space versus Bruntwood in Birmingham offer further local comparisons.

Conclusion

Quay Space and Runway East address different priorities within Birmingham’s flexible workspace market. Quay Space lists a wider mix of workspace and business-address services, while Runway East sets out desk and office options, meeting facilities, access details and a starting price. Compare the commute and written terms before deciding which Birmingham workspace fits your needs.

Find a workspace that fits your Birmingham routine

If neither option matches your preferred balance of access, format and flexibility, consider what you need from a work base each week. At BLOCK Birmingham, you can choose from private offices, collaborative coworking areas, lounges, flexible membership packages and Day Passes for occasional use.

Our Birmingham location is at One Colmore Square in the Colmore Row Business District and is open 24 hours a day. Our membership options are positioned as transparent, with no hidden costs or surprises. Explore our workspace in Birmingham to review the location and consider whether it suits your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which workspace is better for a freelancer?

Quay Space lists hot desks and coworking, while Runway East lists dedicated desks. Compare the access terms and price for the arrangement you would use most often.

Do both providers offer private offices?

Yes, both list private offices among their workspace options. Ask about current availability, suitable office size and agreement terms before making a decision.

Which location is more convenient for rail travel?

Runway East states that its Temple Row location is close to New Street and Snow Hill stations. Quay Space is on Broad Street, so compare each full route with your usual journey.

Can you compare their prices directly?

Not from the published information alone, because the public pricing details are not presented on the same basis. Request written quotes that specify VAT, included services, meeting-room use and agreement terms.

Do both locations offer access outside standard office hours?

Both providers list round-the-clock access. Confirm how access works for your specific membership or rental before signing an agreement.