Lewisham Council announces £930k funding to increase affordable workspace across the borough
Local businesses can apply for a Creative Lewisham Enterprise Workspace Grant of up to £200k to transform vacant or underused spaces into vibrant and affordable workspaces that attract businesses to the borough; generate enterprise opportunities for residents; and create jobs.
The grants form a key part of the Council's Affordable Workspace Strategy, which was approved by Mayor and Cabinet in July, and will also see measures including affordable workspace accreditation and businesses connected with an approved list of local providers come into force over the next two years.
The Council secured funding for the three grant schemes through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the GLA.
Creative Lewisham Enterprise Workspace Grants:
- Strategic Workspace Grant: Businesses could receive up to £200k to deliver new, high quality, affordable workspace across the borough.
- Small Workspace Grant: Businesses could receive up to £5k to deliver new affordable workspace within the Creative Enterprise Zone of Deptford and New Cross.
- Lewisham Empty Property Grant: One-off grants of up £10,000 to support businesses to revamp and reopen empty shop units in the borough.
Cllr Kim Powell, Cabinet Member for Businesses, Jobs and Skills, said:
“There is an increasing demand for affordable workspace right across Lewisham so I’m delighted to launch these grants to expand on the existing provision and create more jobs and opportunities for our residents.
“This is about taking steps to ensure more genuinely affordable workspace is available to the entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses that are essential to our local economy so that our borough remains a place where entrepreneurialism and enterprise can thrive.”
Marcel Baettig, founder of arts charity, Bow Arts which provides affordable workspace to creatives across London, said:
"Affordable workspace is incredibly important to artists, designers and makers, especially at the start of their careers when much of the work they do is research-based and they don’t earn an income. These grants will ensure creatives have the time and space to hone their skills so they can contribute to the community.”
Find more information and apply for one of the three grants.