New tenant wanted for Battersea Power Station’s burgeoning creative hub

The 52-square metre unit, called ‘Space 52’, is being made available at peppercorn rent for an initial period of 10 years and will be ideal for an organisation that needs an immediate and long-term home.

Peabody, working with Battersea Power Station and Wandsworth Council, is looking for a tenant that needs a base where they can grow and who will thrive in a busy residential environment.

The lease comes with an additional grant of £125,000 – to be paid to the new tenant over five years.

Space 52 is located within New Mansion Square – Peabody’s 100 per cent affordable housing scheme in Battersea Nine Elms - and is a key element of Battersea Power Station’s Cultural Strategy.

The attractive ground-floor corner space, which opens onto a bustling grassy square, sits in a cluster of cultural and commercial creative technology workspaces, making it a perfect nook in an emerging hub of talent and innovation.

The site includes a creative technology and enterprise space where residents and businesses can gather to work and share ideas. It includes a state-of-the art podcast studio and screening facilities.

The new occupant of Space 52 will join a growing coalition of cultural anchors in the area that already includes contemporary theatre, music, art, video production and writing enterprises.

Peabody is inviting suitable organisations to express an interest online by 12pm on Wednesday 10 May. Further information for applicants can be found on Peabody’s website.

Peabody will then ask three finalists to submit full proposals later in the spring. Final interviews will take place on 19 June, with the successful organisation taking up residence in Space 52 from October.

The new tenant will be appointed by a dedicated selection panel, which will include Robin Klassnik, OBE, of Matt’s Gallery, which recently relocated to the creative district in Nine Elms. 

The GLA is also making £5,000 available to provide business plan support for individuals and organisations that are led by or that will serve underrepresented communities. This will enable the three finalists to develop a credible and robust business plan suitable for this space.

Angela Wood, Deputy Executive Director of Development at Peabody, said: “Space 52 is a fantastic opportunity for creatives looking for an affordable, long-term space that would benefit from extra funding. A new cultural anchor here at Battersea Power Station will contribute to a thriving creative community and we look forward to appointing and working with them. Providing new affordable homes, as well as arts and culture, are fundamental to great placemaking, which is at the heart of what we do.” 

Deputy Mayor of Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, said: “Culture is in London’s DNA and plays a key part in communities coming together. That’s why I’m delighted that Peabody is seeking to make culture a vital part of the Nine Elms residential community, giving creatives the opportunity to thrive in the local area. It’s another example of how we are working to build a fairer and better London for everyone.”

Gordon Adams, Head of Planning at Battersea Power Station Development Company, said: “We look forward to welcoming a new cultural tenant to Battersea Power Station, further expanding our new town centre. There are few better places for creativity than this iconic landmark, which has long been a source of inspiration for artists, musician, filmmakers and more. Add to this the mix of shops, restaurants and leisure experiences delivered at Battersea Power Station, as well as the Northern Line Extension, we are creating a new sustainable neighbourhood for Wandsworth.”

Interested applicants can apply here and use the reference ‘Peabody Trust: Mansion Sq - EOI – Qualification'.

For more information, Peabody will be hosting a live Q&A on Tuesday 25 April, which you can join here.

All new homes will be completed this summer, with 136 affordable homes having been delivered to date.