Open call for cultural tenant to move into brand new Battersea home

Housing developer Peabody is searching for a dynamic cultural organisation, charity or business to move into a brand new space at New Mansion Square, off Battersea Park Road, SW8.

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.

Wandsworth Council are working with Peabody to find a tenant who will join a growing coalition of cultural 'anchors' in the area including contemporary theatre, music, art, video production and writing enterprises.

Councillor Kemi Akinola, Wandsworth Council’s deputy leader, said: “The council is supporting the provision of cultural and affordable workspaces across the borough which will provide fairer routes into the sector for the wider local community. We are focused on making Wandsworth the best place to set up and run a business whatever its size.”

Space 52 will be at the centre of a busy residential environment at Peabody’s 100 per cent affordable housing scheme which is part of the Battersea Power Station development.

The lease comes with an additional grant of £125,000 to be paid to the new tenant over five years. The ground-floor corner space will open onto a grassy square with a cluster of cultural and commercial creative technology workspaces forming 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 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 who 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.”

Download the application pack from Peabody's website

Selection timeline

For more information on the opportunity, Peabody will be hosting a live Q&A on Tuesday 25 April.

Suitable organisations are invited to express an interest online by 12pm on Wednesday 10 May. Register and express your interest on the Delta e-Sourcing website.

Three finalists will be asked to submit full proposals later in the spring ahead of final interviews on 19 June, with the successful organisation taking up residence in Space 52 from October 2023.

All new homes at New Mansion Square will be completed this summer.

The new tenant will be appointed by a dedicated selection panel, which will include Wandsworth Council's deputy leader Councillor Kemi Akinola and Robin Klassnick OBE of Matt’s Gallery, which recently relocated to Charles Clowes Walk in Nine Elms.