Activating
spaces
We work with government, philanthropy and corporate Australia to repurpose underutilised properties for jobs focused social enterprises.
We’re big believers that underutilised spaces can be reimagined as places where connection, innovation, and community flourish.
Whether it’s a disused warehouse, vacant land or an unused floor in a commercial office block, these sites can enable job creation and collaboration that benefits both people, investors, and the local community.
If you have underutilised floor space, land or a building – we can help.
Space is never just space
Affordable and suitable property is often hard to find, and the capital needed for acquisition and fitout can put growth out of reach for a jobs focused social enterprise.
At the same time, buildings and land across Australia sit vacant or underused, costing money and creating no public value.
We connect these two opportunities. We find and activate spaces, structure partnerships, negotiate practical leases and unlock the capital needed to turn property into a platform for jobs, enterprise and community.
Spaces we've activated
| Property | Social enterprised supported | Jobs created | Property size | Collaborators | Asset maintenance | Ownership lease term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Witton Barracks QLD | New: WBEHQ Cleanable, Yoga on the Inside + other for purpose organisations | 20+ | 8,000sqm | Brisbane City Council | WBE | 2024-2028 + 10 |
| Bangalow NSW | Beacon Laundry | 182 | 3,000sqm | Private investors Philanthropy |
WBE | 2021- |
| Braybrook VIC | Green Collect Second tenant TBC |
100+ | 2,800sqm | VIC State Govt Private Investors |
WBE | 2021- |
| Cremorne VIC | Australian Spatial Analytics | 50+ | 1,500sqm | Naomi Milgrom (Philantropist) | Naomi Milgrom | 2023-2024 |
| 309 North Quay Brisbane QLD | Australian Spatial Analytics, Murawin, First Australians Capital, WBE | 100+ | 1,200sqm | Charter Hall | Charter Hall | 2019-2024 |
| Mount Gravatt, Brisbane QLD | Jigsaw Australia | 70 | 1,000sqm | QLD Stave Govt | Govt | 2020- |
| Brunswick East VIC | CERES | 10+ | 300sqm | Private Investors | WBE | 2023- |
| 9 Queen St, Mel VIC (Basement) | TBD | TBD | 200sqm | Bennelong Foundation | Bennelong Foundation | 2025-2028 + |
Bennelong House: Melbourne social enterprise jobs hub
White Box Enterprises, in partnership with the Bennelong Foundation, has launched a new employment-focused co working hub for social enterprises and impact-led organisations.
Located at Bennelong House, 9 Queen Street in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, the new shared-working space will offer 30 desks, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, and a beautiful atrium space ideal for collaboration and events.
More than just an office, the hub is intentionally designed to support purpose-led organisations committed to creating employment opportunities for people who are often shut out from mainstream work.
With the generous support of the Bennelong Foundation, rent will be kept to a minimum – a small contribution to cover operational costs will be required, making it accessible for social enterprises seeking a new home in Victoria.
If you and your team are looking for a co-working space in the heart of Melbourne, complete the EOI form below and we’ll be in touch.
A snapshot of the hub:
- Dedicated space for social enterprises and purpose-led orgs
- Located at Bennelong House, 9 Queen Street (less than a 10min walk from Flinders St Station)
- 30 desks, meeting rooms, kitchen + event space
- Short to medium term tenancies available
- Minimum rent required, thanks to the support of the Bennelong Foundation
- Space available from August 2025
Witton Barracks: A former WW2 site reimagined for social good
A snapshot of Witton:
- Key partners: Brisbane City Council and Westpac Foundation
- Social impact tenants onsite: Brisbane
- Astronomical Society, Brisbane History Group, Cleanable, Eco Effective Solutions, Good People,
- Jill Hamilton (Specialist Literacy Teacher), Showzer. It is also White Box Enterprises’ HQ
- Location: Indooroopilly, Brisbane
Once a former military barracks, the historic Witton Barracks site in Brisbane’s west has undergone a major transformation. Led by White Box with the support of Brisbane City Council, the barracks has been reimagined as a dynamic hub for social enterprise, community activity, and inclusive employment.
Launched with a bold vision to activate underultised public assets to create community connection, Witton Barracks is now home to 9 anchor tenants, including social enterprise committed to job creation and social impact.
The site is quickly becoming a place to connect, collaborate, and thrive. In its first year alone, the precinct hosted:
- 17 public events
- 104 private events
- An estimated 16,000 visitors
Regular events like the Sunrise Markets draw local families and makers to the site each month, while Astronomy Nights invite the community to connect under the stars in an unexpected and engaging way. These recurring events have helped cement Witton Barracks as a lively, accessible destination that blends heritage, social enterprise, and community.
Partner With Us
We love to collaborate. If you share in our belief that employment can change lives and the solution lies is jobs-focused social enterprise, get in touch.
Stay Connected
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