10,000 sq ft of artist’s studio space to become available in South Bermondsey

28 June 2019

A major expansion of work space provision is about to be offered at the Toaster Factory in Penarth Street, South Bermondsey.

Building on the creative and manufacturing community already present in eight studios there, a new self-contained unit of just under 2,000 sq. ft. has just been completed, with a rolling plan of more than 10,000 sq. ft. of additional space to become available by Christmas. This is about to be advertised and partitions will be built to suit businesses whatever the size.

The location is the former Dualit Toaster factory which sits on an acre site at 16-28 Penarth Street, South Bermondsey, just off the Old Kent Road. Since being purchased in 2003 by James Glancy Design, its prime role has been for design and manufacture of grand scale Christmas installations, for the likes of Regent Street and Carnaby Street.

In 2015 ancillary space was rented out to Studio Makecreate, the first tenants. Since then, the two businesses have collaborated to re-imagine under-used parts of the building as work space for artists, creative businesses and manufacturers. Flexibility in the way the space has been provided has ensured a great mix, from single desk-spaces, to small studio rooms of 300 sq. ft. to light industrial units of 2000 sq. ft. The building currently hosts 8 sole-trading artists and designers, and 6 creative or manufacturing businesses.

From Christmas, with the addition of 10,000 sq. ft. of extra space, there are aspirations for the venture to grow beyond just providing work space; this might involve open access facilities, teaching practical and creative skills, a cafe, a bookable meeting room and more. The Toaster Factory aims to become a real driving force in the local economy.

Amongst the more recent additions are Alexis Cawley, a bespoke jeans designer who is an ex V22 tenant.  When not designing his range of jeans, Alexis lectures at the London College of Fashion.

Cllr Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning at Southwark Council who visited the premises today to see the new studio and hear about the future plans, said this was another excellent example of local community businesses coming together to benefit others.  “The vision for the Old Kent Road area is to build on its unique creative character, and a place where industry can thrive alongside new homes and quality open spaces. As someone who is proud of growing up in this area, I know the importance of small businesses getting their foot on that first rung of the ladder and this is a great example of doing just that”.

James Glancy, who owns James Glancy Design said he was proud of what has been achieved: “This is a shared vision with Southwark Council for the regeneration of this part of the borough and focusing on this as a hub with a vibrant and exciting feel is a key driver for building the Toaster Factory community. Our business has benefited so much from moving here 16 years ago when we came out of the arches under London Bridge. It is therefore such an exciting prospect that it can now provide an opportunity to do the same for a whole new generation of businesses”.

Page last updated: 28 June 2019