For some, home offices can be distracting or have unreliable internet while public spaces such as cafes can be too noisy.

Shared office spaces are gaining popularity on the Border among people who want to separate work and home life.

North East-based couple Nicholas Rogan and Robyn Butcher opened Avenue Shared Working Space at Yackandandah in August after moving from Melbourne earlier that year.

Mr Rogan said while the concept was popular in the city it was still gaining traction in rural towns.

“I enjoyed working in a shared office space in Melbourne so much that I looked forward to doing the same in the country,” he said.

“Then I went looking for a shared office space and I couldn’t find one.”

Mr Rogan, who is an audiovisual consultant and designer, said he knew what set apart the best office spaces.

“I’ve seen millions of dollars spent on good workplaces and millions of dollars spent on bad workplaces,” Mr Rogan said.

“You need internet, printing, coffee and a good vibe and good ergonomics.”

Mr Rogan said Avenue Shared Working Space was previously occupied by a hairdressing salon.

He said they changed the layout and added a kitchen.

“It was my foray into welding and furniture design,” he said.

Ms Butcher, who is a landscape architect, said she could do her job from anywhere but enjoyed the interaction of a shared office.

“I can be anywhere but Yackandandah is a really nice place to be,” she said.

“It’s a good opportunity to network with different small business people in the area.”

Workers travel from Beechworth and as far as Albury to use the High Street space while other visitors book a desk only during their stay.

Avenue has hosted a range of business workshops and in recent weeks was the venue for the Local Indigo Network Charity Drive meetings.

Avenue operates business hours, Monday to Friday, at 9 High Street, Yackandandah.

- JODIE BRUTON