Affordable Workspace Challenge

Affordable Workspace Challenge

What was the Affordable Workspace Challenge?

We worked with the Mayor of London to design and deliver the Mayor’s Resilience Fund which included two phases:

  • Open call for local authorities, government agencies and charities in London to partner with us as problem-holders (2020)
  • Designed and delivered 10 city-based challenges (2021)

The Mayor’s Resilience Fund was funded by the London Economic Action Partnership.

What was this challenge about?

Create a financially sustainable fit-out solution for empty commercial and community space in new developments, to enable local businesses and community organisations to easily and affordably occupy new space.

Where was it focused?

Hackney Wick and Fish Island (HWFI) – Creative Enterprise Zone boundary

Who were the end users?

Local, creative, small and micro businesses and community organisations that don’t have access to suitable space.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE MAYOR’S RESILIENCE FUND

This challenge prize was delivered by Challenge Works

  • Hackney Council logo

Who won the Challenge?

Open Source Platform for Affordable Workspace Fit Out by Arbeit Project Ltd. won the Challenge. Their project is to provide an easily adaptable fit out model that offers a cost-effective solution for newly built/shell & core spaces or empty premises, aiming to reduce property costs for the end user.

The finalists

Lyn logo

LYN Atelier

LYN Atelier’s solution is to create a semi-automated office fit-out process, simplifying choices and using second hand furniture to keep the costs down, giving access to great workspaces to a new section of the economy.

Arbeit logo

Open Source Platform for Affordable Workspace Fit Out by Arbeit Project Ltd.

This proposal is to provide an easily adaptable fit out model that offers a cost-effective solution for newly built/shell & core spaces or empty premises, aiming to reduce property costs for the end user. 

Tapestry logo

Pavilion by Tapestry

Pavilion aims to create a rentable library of re-useable materials, able to be booked through an online platform and supported by installation, storage and maintenance. 

The Sustainable Designer logo

Instant Studio by The Sustainable Designer

Their solution is a self-contained modular portable studio, intended to be integrated temporarily within the existing bare fabric of a leased space. Modules are insulated, contain essential services and can operate either independently or as a cluster. 

About the Resilience Partner

Hackney Council is the Resilience Partner for this challenge, in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council and the London Legacy Development Corporation. The three authorities have invested in joint resources to address issues that are specific to the regeneration of Hackney Wick and Fish Island, including:

  • The appropriate provision of workspace throughout the redevelopment of the area, to ensure the retention of the local business community, and
  • The delivery of the Creative Enterprise Zone objectives, a programme funded by the Mayor of London to support the resilience of the creative sector.

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