Archive:New Space 2010

Since Somerset House is on hold for the foreseeable future a search for a new space to build-out in September 2010 is being held, as another winter at the existing space is undesirable.

Progress

Step	Description	Target	Status
1	Define requirements		Done
2	Shortlist spaces	June 2010	Started
3	View spaces	July 2010	Not started
4	Sign lease	August 2010	Not started
5	Begin build-out	September 2010	Not started
6	Grand opening	October 2010	Not started

Requirements

Venue

Required:

• At least 1100 sqft.
• Permanent heating
• B1 or B2 use class - B1 is probably OK as long as it's not directly next to any residential.
• Little or no internal finishings (e.g. hardwood floorings or carpets) we can mess up
• Price: Less than £2000/month, including all charges, excluding rates.
• Toilets

Preferred:

• Multiple rooms
• Cycle storage out of space
• Kitchen/sink.

Ideally we want at least two rooms/areas - one carpeted for hacking, light electronics, and chilling out, and an uncarpeted room for wood/metalworking. If it is a large open space we can build internal rooms ourselves.

Location

• Within zone 2
• Close to tube station (ideally less than 0.5 miles)

Places to Look

• Space Station
• City & Urban
• Camden council
• Railway arches: Spacia (TfL arches aren't attractive because they require a director of the company to personally guarantee the rent)
• Stirling Ackroyd
• Strettons
• Gumtree (Looks like mainly nice offices)
• Workspace Group

Potential spaces

Cremer Business Centre

Rent

£990 - £1,610

Size

666 - 1305 sqft.

Tube

0.8 miles (Old Street)

Facilities

• 24 hour access
• 24 hour security
• 3-phase power
• Goods lift
• On-site parking
• Passenger lift
• Recycling facilities

Notes

• Satisfies all criteria aside from location and kitchen/sink area.
• Looks to be suited to hackspace-type activities, there appears to be a stone floor in two of the photographed units.
• Right next to (<1 minute walk) Hoxton London Overground station which connects to the tube at Whitechapel.

The Ivories

Rent

£560 - £1800

Size

297 - 1237 sqft.

Tube

0.5 miles (Highbury and Islington)

Facilities

• 24 hour access
• CCTV
• Designated Centre Manager
• On-site parking
• Passenger lift
• Recycling facilities

Notes

• Satisfies all criteria aside from kitchen/sink area.
• Right next to Essex Road National Rail station which connects to Highbury and Islington and Old Street.

Arches

• Potential know-how exchange with carpenters, welders, mechanics, artists, etc.

Not shortlisted

Leroy House

Rent

£800 - £1,920

Size

466 - 900 sqft.

Tube

0.8 miles (Highbury and Islington)

Facilities

• 24 hour access
• Evening & weekend security
• Entry phone system
• Broadband
• On-site parking by arrangement
• Passenger & goods lift
• Recycling facilities
• Cycle racks

Notes

• Satisfies all criteria aside from location and kitchen/sink area.