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. This equates to £10-£20 per square foot (per annum).
• Toilets

Preferred:

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

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, but bear in mind this is surprisingly expensive (and will have to be done to Building Regs)! Most landlords will also require the space to be returned to its original state once we move out.

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.

Robert 09:08, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

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.

Robert 09:08, 23 May 2010 (UTC)

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

• Does not meet size hard-limit so is unsuitable.

Robert 09:09, 23 May 2010 (UTC)