Find out the latest developments with our Premises Matching Project, including a new resource library and positive changes around Affordable Workspace in the borough.
This project was set up to try and address the issues VCS groups face in acessing and maintaining suitable space, and alongside the direct matchmaking service we have also been collating sources of advice and support, so that groups are aware of what other services are available to them, as well as working to influence council policies around workspace and lettings, so that we can create long term positive change.
Premises Resources
The Premises Resources page is now live, and features information for groups at all stages of their premises journey, from initial scoping out of available space through to maintenance and upkeep of existing spaces.
Please note that this is an ongoing project, and this page will continue to be updated with new items as we go. We are very keen to learn from others, so if you have any suggestions for things to be included, especially if they have been helpful for your organisation, please do let us know – email alex@communitysouthwark.org.
Affordable Workspace Strategy
One of the key policies that underpins what spaces the council can make available to the VCS is the Affordable Workspace Strategy, and we were very pleased to be involved with the creation of the new version, published and formally adopted in July 2025.
This document emphasises the importance of affordable workspace in creating a fair and healthy economy, and how the council plans to deliver these spaces, in partnership with developers, workspace providers and local businesses and VCS groups. It’s an interesting (and short) read, so we recommend you take a look, but the key changes to be aware of are:
- The VCS is now included as a core user of affordable workspace, with groups’ social impact acknowledged as a key reason for supporting them with access to subsidised workspace.
- Accomodation for the VCS is now a core objective of the strategy, on a par with support for start-ups and small to medium enterprises.
- Workspace will be geographically spread out, adaptable to different needs and accessible by all.
- Rather than providing more small pockets of workspace, developers will be supported to make payments in lieu, which will be collected together to in an Affordable Workspace Fund
- This Fund will be used to turn council assets into Affordable Workspace Hubs, placed in areas of identified need.
- This approach will be tested through an initial pilot site in Peckham.
- ‘Affordability’ will be closely examined and the council will consider targeted interventions and programmes to ensure spaces are actually affordable for key user groups, including the VCS.
Please do take a look at the full document, and please get in touch if you have any questions or ideas about this.
Premises Dashboard and reports
A live dashboard, tracking requests for space, is now available on our Premises Project Status page, alongside some helpful reference materials such as a list of successful matches and recommended reports on this topic.
Venues directory
We have also been working on updating our Venues Directory, a public resource to help groups advertise their spaces and enable other organisations to find the right spaces for them. This now lists over 150 different spaces available for hire, and is increasingly used by corporate and statutory partners, as well as by other VCS organisations.
If your organisation has space to offer, please fill in the form to add your venue to the directory, or get in touch if you’d like to discuss it in more detail.