New affordable creative hub opens at Battersea Power Station

A local dance and theatre company has found its first permanent home at Peabody Works Battersea, a new affordable creative hub at New Mansion Square, part of the Battersea Power Station neighbourhood, designed to help local artists, businesses and community organisations grow.

Published: 04/08/2026

BLINK Dance Theatre, which is led by and works with neurodivergent and learning-disabled artists, has signed a 10-year peppercorn lease after being selected for its strong community links and inclusive approach to creativity.

It’s one of a growing number of organisations making their home at Peabody Works Battersea, where affordable studios available at half the market rent, shared workspaces and creative facilities are helping local businesses, freelancers and community groups put down roots and develop.

Created by us in partnership with Battersea Power Station and Wandsworth Council, with support from REDO consultants, Peabody Works Battersea forms part of the wider New Mansion Square development. The development has provided 386 affordable homes, a new NHS health centre, green space and resident facilities. It is the first creative workspace to be managed directly by us.

For BLINK, having a permanent base has transformed what the organisation can offer both its team and the wider community after years of working from temporary venues.

"This space means finally being able to put down roots," said Vicki, one of BLINK’s artistic directors. "Before, BLINK almost felt like something that was floating and never really settled. Now we say, 'We're going to BLINK', because this is our home."

"One of our team, who is neurodivergent and has a learning disability, is going through a difficult time at the moment. They told us this is the only place where they truly feel at home and can completely be themselves. Hearing that made me realise just how important this space is.

"People often talk about creating inclusive places where everyone feels they belong and can take part fully. Here, you can actually see what that looks like. You don't just read about it. You experience it."

Adriana Marques, Assistant Director for Cultural Strategy and Programming at Peabody, said: "Affordable creative and business spaces are becoming harder to find across London, especially for smaller organisations and people just starting out.

"Having places like this means local people can stay connected to the area and build something here. It's also about creating a neighbourhood where people want to spend time, with local businesses, creative organisations and community groups bringing new energy and activity to the area. That's good for everyone who lives here."

Sarah Banham, Head of Sustainability and Community at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “We are proud to be creating a thriving town centre for all at Battersea Power Station, and the opening of Peabody Works Battersea marks an important milestone in that journey. Alongside the millions of visitors and thousands of residents who call Battersea Power Station home, the neighbourhood is also becoming an emerging work district, with over 7,500 jobs created to date, and more than 70 brands now based at the riverside neighbourhood.

“Peabody Works Battersea will support this growing community by giving new businesses, creatives and community organisations an affordable place to work, connect and grow.”

Patrick Dubeck, Wandsworth Council's Director of Place-based Growth, said: "We're delighted that the council's Affordable Workspace Management Plan has resulted in this creative opportunity right in the heart of Battersea.

"Furthermore, we were able to provide funding from the Wandsworth Affordable Workspace Fund towards getting this fantastic space fitted out and ready for occupation. We'll continue our work on connecting the workspace and its occupants to wider business networks and support, as well as employment and economic development initiatives here in Wandsworth."

Two summer open days gave residents and local people the chance to tour the studios, meet the organisations already based there and take part in activities. They were joined by representatives from Peabody, Wandsworth Council, Battersea Power Station and partner organisations.

Local businesses, freelancers, creatives and community organisations are invited to visit Peabody Works Battersea to find out more about the available workspace.