A new affordable creative workspace has opened its doors in Lisson Grove, marking another step forward in bringing investment, opportunity and jobs into the Church Street area.
Lisson Grove Studios, delivered by Westminster City Council and operated by Arbeit Studios, provides permanent, affordable workspace for artists, designers, makers and small creative businesses. The studios are located at Daventry House, close to the Lisson Arches development, transforming vacant council space into a lively hub for local enterprise.
The new space offers 38 studios and 30 dedicated desks, alongside shared facilities and space for exhibitions, events and workshops. Rents are set well below market levels, helping local creatives stay and grow in Westminster at a time when affordable workspace is increasingly hard to find.
The building will host regular open studios, workshops and public events, helping residents connect with local creative businesses and opening routes into creative work for young people and career-changers.
The studios were formally opened by Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, who met with artists and creative businesses already moving into the building.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough said:
“Creative industries are a huge part of what makes Church Street special, but too many artists and small businesses are being priced out of London.
Lisson Grove Studios shows what can be achieved when the council uses its assets to support local talent, create jobs and build a fairer local economy. This is about backing creativity, strengthening communities and making sure regeneration works for local people.”
Lisson Grove Studios is part of Westminster’s wider Enterprise Space Programme, which uses council-owned buildings to create long-term, affordable workspace linked to skills, employment and community activity. The programme has already delivered new creative spaces at Church Street Triangle and is supporting further projects across North Westminster.
A larger public launch event is planned for later in the spring, with the studios already close to full occupancy following strong local demand.