- Peckham Levels is the largest workspace in SE15 supporting a daily working community of more than 200 people, with low-or-no-cost space for local people
- Southwark Council took back control of the building following the current operator going into administration
- To ensure business as usual and protect jobs, the council has now appointed The Trampery as the new managers of Peckham Levels
Southwark Council has announced that The Trampery will take over management of Peckham Levels (27 August).
Peckham Levels is a former multi-storey carpark owned by the council in the heart of Peckham. It has created workspace for over 200 people, from artists and creative studios, to co-working space and a food hall with bars and event spaces.
Amid a national crisis in the arts and hospitality following the pandemic, venues and operators across the country have faced major challenges.
Despite recent successes at Peckham Levels, with monthly footfall figures this year being 58% higher month on month compared to 2023, the current operators have gone into administration.
The council have brought in The Trampery to manage the building to ensure business as usual for tenants and visitors alike.
Since 2017, thousands of people walk through Peckham Levels’ doors every year to shop, eat, drink and enjoy a line-up of live music, comedy and clubbing. In 2023, the council listed Peckham Levels as an Asset of Community Value.
Social enterprise The Trampery bring with them lots of experience of managing six other affordable workspace buildings in other London locations, with particular experience turning around sites that have faced challenging circumstances.
As The Trampery take on the day-to-day running of Peckham Levels, the council is working on a long-term plan for the building to ensure it meets the community’s needs, including access to affordable workspace.
Across their other locations, The Trampery support a diverse community of artists, creators, social innovators and entrepreneurs. Their staff reflects the diversity of this community, with a current mix of 80% female, 33% BAME and 31% LGBTQIA+.
Cllr John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, said: “We had to act quickly at very short notice to ensure continuity for tenants and visitors alike, which was our first priority. The Trampery’s dynamism and strong track record, especially towards diversity and inclusion, makes them a great fit for Peckham Levels.
“Peckham Levels is a much-loved destination for culture, creativity and affordable workspace. We want to make sure it continues to serve local people’s needs in the very best way possible, while being commercially successful in the long term. We will be exploring this in more detail over the coming months, working closely with The Trampery, businesses, and the local community.”
Charles Armstrong, Founder and CEO of The Trampery, said: “I’ve been a huge admirer of Peckham Levels ever since the building opened in 2017. It’s a huge privilege, and also a great responsibility, to pick up the baton for managing Peckham Levels. Our team will work tirelessly to build on the successes of the past seven years and amplify the impact the building creates in the Peckham community.”
The council requires certain community benefits via a service level agreement with operators of Peckham Levels. This remains the same with The Trampery, including support and discounted or free space to local organisations.
Community benefit opportunities at Peckham Levels continue to be monitored by a steering group, which includes councillors and local people. The council has commissioned a survey to assess the social value of Peckham Levels, which will help inform further detailed work towards Peckham Levels’ long-term success.