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CE2.2
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Context
This policy improves on the flexibility of the SPD’s policy and the below guidelines provide a level of detail not found in the SPD. The delivery of affordable studio space is critical in supporting the next generation of creative industries.
Desired Outcome
This policy proposes delivery of 50 affordable artist studios, totalling 2000m2 floorspace. This will be combined with co-working and start-up space totalling 2000m2 floorspace in the same building. London is one of the most expensive cities in the world to rent co-working and artist studio space. This site provides a huge opportunity to provide a significant amount of affordable workspace which will act as an incubator for the next generation of businesses and cre-atives, building on the Formal tools Informal tools legacy of Earl’s Court. Guidance Case study: Lowry Centre • GLA Policy 5.2 energy planning Policy Tools Incentive – LA support to developer in We Made That informal creative engagement establishing partnership with Arts Council around new cultural venue to build support Development brief which will outline the key the criteria above. including part-funding A flexible workspace strategy which includes partnership with a property manager who Control – Development brief, design competition, has expertise not only in providing workspace but also mentoring and networking sys cultural strategy and environmental strategy. tems to support SMEs.
Formal tools Guidance
• GLA Policy E3 Affordable workspace
Control - Development brief, expectation of flexible workspace strategy Informal tools
Case study: Barbican Innovation Warehouse
GLA (2015) Creating Open Workspaces guide
Case Study - Barbican Innovation Warehouse
Barbican Innovation Warehouse -Desired objectives
The Barbican Innovation Warehouse is an example of a coworking space in London which offers flexible space for a range of small businesses and start ups. Provides 900m2 floorspace for small and medium sized companies. Hot desking space can be hired for as little as £150 per month which is significantly lower than the London average of £600pm. They provide a training and mentoring programme for new tech companies and have larger private office space which can be hired as companies grow. It working at capacity which demonstrates a consistent demand for space such as this. Barbican Innovation Warehouse -Tools used
The City of London has 17,980 businesses in 8.7 million sq m of office space. The City of London planning authority have a clear business strategy in their local plan. Guidance policy O1 in the local plan encourages provision for flexible workspaces such as this Clerkenwell case study, which are prepared to meeting changing future needs and support small companies.
Transferability
This case study is highly transferable to the office and retail units which are located parallel to the A3218, acting as a buffer. It was not compulsory for this company to create a coworking space in this location. In Earl’s Court, this particular type of office space (coworking/start up incubator) will be required as part of a development brief, alongside a flexible workspace
Limitation
This policy must be complemented by other office space policies which can accommodate larger companies, however the purpose of this policy was to highlight a shortfall in the original SPD. It is beyond the capacity of this report to provide a detailed analysis of an artist workspace but realisitcally a separate policy is required. The extent to which a coworking space can be subsidised for SMEs depends on the business model of the property owner and management of the space.
Overall chance of success: 72%
A development brief and flexible workspace strategy would help in achieving the desirede outcomes, however these expectations may impinge on how many developers and coworking management companies come forward with applications. Equally, flexible working is a growing trend and may well become the new normal in the years to come.
