Affordable workspaces

You can rent affordable workspaces for less than market rates. It could be workshops, studios, offices or a co-working space. Specialist workspace providers usually manage them.

You can find all the affordable workspaces at different stages of development on our interactive map.

Most existing affordable workspaces are operated by third parties. We can use our planning powers, justified through policy, to secure reduced rents and other conditions such as rent-free periods.

Our delivery plan 2022 to 2026 encourages more affordable workspaces by creating more businesses, co-operatives and social enterprises.

Our target is to deliver 10% of new employment floorspace as affordable for start-ups. This includes small and independent businesses.

Affordable workspace occupiers should have a social, cultural or economic goal. Examples include:

• charities
• public health services
• voluntary and community organisations or social enterprises
• creative and artists’ workspace
• rehearsal and performance space and maker space
• occupiers for disadvantaged groups starting up in any sector
• occupiers in support of educational outcomes through connections to schools, colleges or higher education
• existing businesses in Southwark that need to relocate
• small businesses located in Southwark

We have a workspace provider list for developers and occupiers to use. We screen workspace providers based on their:

• experience in providing managed workspaces
• support they give to tenants
• ability to add local value

Developers should submit an affordable workspace strategy with a planning application. If granted, we'll turn this into a legal Section 106 agreement setting out:

• the amount of affordable workspace
• details of the workspace provider
• the discount to market rent
• service charges
• any rent-free periods

We check the building and management of affordable workspaces. This is as agreed between developers, workspace providers and users. If the developer does not comply, we can take enforcement action.

Our target for affordable workspaces is 80,000 sq m of floorspace. So far 71 workspaces and retail units have been opened, providing 7,800 sq m. This includes 300 desks in Market Peckham. It also includes schemes in Elephant and Castle, Peckham Palms, and 62 Hatcham Road.

About 34,000 sq m of affordable workspaces are under construction. This includes 227-255 and 313-349 Ilderton Road. They will have about seven affordable, light industrial workspace units. Also, 180 Ilderton Road will have five artist workspace/studio units. All are due to be completed in 2025.