Goa government floats Rs 11 crore tender for beachside co-working spaces

PANAJI: Moving ahead with its plan to attract digital nomads, the Info Tech Corporation of Goa (ITG) floated a tender to set up three co-working spaces at Ashvem, Morjim, and Benaulim, at a cost of Rs 11 crore. The three spaces are part of the six that the department of information technology (DoIT) intends to set up along Goa’s beaches.

The department has identified locations for the co-working hubs at Miramar, Morjim, Ashwem, Mandrem, and Benaulim beaches. After developing the same, the government will engage an operator to run them. The project is being executed through the ITG, and should be completed within 90 days of the work order. i

“The idea behind this is that individual workers come together in a shared place to enjoy greater productivity and a sense of community. The government intends to set up six such co-working spaces at various locations in close vicinity to the beaches,” said a DoIT official.

The three spaces at Ashvem, Morjim, and Benaulim are part of the government’s pilot project to see if Goa can monetise the workation (work and vacation) concept.

“Entrepreneurs can enjoy the scenic beaches of Goa while working. A co-working space can be a café-like collaboration space or an office-like setting,” said the official.

ITG has floated a tender to identify a contractor who can design, construct, and maintain the co-working spaces. The co-working structure will be built out of wood and bamboo and “under no circumstances” can cement, concrete or any other material be used to create a permanent structure.

IT minister Rohan Khaunte said that along with Sun and sand, Goa should also be known for software development.

Aside from internet connections, cubicles to work, and conference rooms, the co-working spaces will also have a cafeteria, a functional kitchen, bathing facilities, a server room, and recreation space.