1920-0186 - AFWCC - 250 City Road Affordable Workspace

Description

We want to build a fairer Islington and create a local economy that works for all; where everyone, whatever their background, has the opportunity to reach their potential, where fairness, social justice and sustainability informs everything we do. As a result of the global pandemic, this mission has never been more urgent. Islington is a borough of great prosperity alongside intense poverty and social exclusion. COVID-19 has exacerbated this contrast, as the pandemic has created major challenges for Islington's communities and the local economy. It has changed the way we all live, work and communicate and has caused hardship and distress for many residents and businesses in the borough. Looking forward, there is an opportunity to adapt and rebuild our local economy, so that prosperity is more equally shared across our communities. Our Affordable Workspace Strategy will play a central role in our response to the pandemic and vision for an inclusive economy - using its influence in the planning process, the Council has secured quality office space at a peppercorn rent from new developments in the borough. Operators are appointed to run these spaces to deliver genuinely affordable workspaces for businesses and deliver a range of social value initiatives in lieu of paying rent; for the benefit of local people, businesses and communities. Through this strategy, the Council will create the spaces needed for local entrepreneurs and start-ups to thrive in Islington, whilst generating real value for local people and communities. The affordable workspace units at 250 City Road form part of Berkeley Homes mixed-use City Forum development with cafes, restaurants, retail outlets, workspace and a four-star hotel. The space also benefits from direct access to two acres of Wi-Fi enabled green space. The spaces are a ten minute walk from Angel, Clerkenwell and Old Street roundabout and benefit from great transport links via the Northern Line and local bus routes.