Design District gives London creative industries their first permanent hub

The most ambitious urban development in the history of London’s creative industries is now officially open.

In a series of events Design District formally welcomed the public to its site on Greenwich Peninsula, and introduce them to its extraordinary architecture, inspiring public spaces and newly arrived creative community.

A permanent home for the creative industries, Design District comprises 16 buildings by eight pioneering architects, one minute from North Greenwich Underground station. With studios, floors, or entire buildings available from £5 per sqft for the first 12 months, the district offers affordable spaces, comprehensive facilities and flexible leases – everything creative Londoners need to build back their business after Covid.

Comprising a deliberately eclectic medley of 16 buildings by eight world-leading architects, Design District was initially conceived by Knight Dragon to provide a permanent, purpose-designed home for London’s creative industries. As the economic impact of coronavirus hit the creative sector especially hard, the district’s role has expanded – not only is it intended to be a hub for the sector, it also aims to facilitate its economic recovery, providing affordable, flexible workspace to individuals and enterprises and giving them the breathing space to build back and grow. For example, this year, for the first 12 months of their tenancy, every business taking up residence in one of the district’s 16 buildings is paying just £5 per square foot for its workspace.

Design District's founding vision is of a symbiotic ecosystem of creative-industry businesses and individuals – an artistic, technological and cultural hub, where creative professionals from all disciplines can share ideas, make new connections and be inspired. Central to this is the district’s capacity to support creative businesses through all stages of growth and nurture creative professionals throughout every point in their careers.

Ravensbourne University’s new Institute of Creativity & Technology is there to provide practical vocational education in the creative industries. Members’ club Bureau offers affordable and flexible workspaces and business support to freelancers and small studios; then, as enterprises grow, there are offices, large studios, or even entire buildings available to accommodate them. Companies will find everything – and everyone – they need on their doorstep: small businesses can turn to the print shop downstairs; new product brands will only be a building or two away from a stylist for their shoots or a developer for their website.

The new tenants will all be taking up permanent spaces in Design District’s 16 buildings – each designed by one of eight world-leading architects. This first wave of residents lay the foundations for the rich creative ecosystem the development was conceived to nurture.