Finding a building or land

Other than use standard commercial estate agents, you should:

• research what your local authority offers
• contact your borough culture and regeneration departments
• review where development is happening and which developers are working in areas that you are interested in, you can use the Cultural Infrastructure Map for this
• if you are seeking office or desk space only, the Cultural Infrastructure Map can help identify creative co-working desk space
• if you have them, utilise trustee knowledge and relationships
• sign up to our Cultural Infrastructure Register

• London Business Hub Workspace Map
• Artquest's guide to Accessing Empty Spaces
• London's Artists' Studio Finder
• Hypha Studios' artists and space matching support
• Cultural Infrastructure Map

• Meanwhile Space CIC
• Centre for London's report on Meanwhile Space

The Cultural Infrastructure Register is aimed at organisations seeking space for a creative business and creative practice.

We do not provide a brokering service. However, if you complete the Expression of interest form we will provide your information to organisations that approach us who are looking for operators. You will also be notified with news on the latest resources, funds and guidance.

Please be aware that very few opportunities are free of charge, and you will need to ensure that you can pay rent, services, utilities and business rates. It is also advisable to have a clear project vision and business plan in place to present to any potential landlord.

If your business or venue is at risk of closure, please see Culture at Risk for advice and resources.

If you are seeking office or desk space only, the Cultural Infrastructure Map can help identify creative co-working desk space.

Culture and Community Spaces at Risk - resources

The Culture and Community Spaces at Risk team is working closely with organisations across London’s cultural, creative and community sectors to safeguard and support at-risk spaces.

See their resources

London Growth Hub

The London Growth Hub is a resource for London businesses. It was established by the Mayor and the Local Economic Action Partnership (LEAP) and provides signposting and advice about how to start a business and access finance and premises. This is offered alongside a support programme delivered across London.

The Property Advice Service offers a series of free masterclasses and one-to-one sessions for London-based small to medium enterprises (SMEs) which are looking for a commercial lease. It also provides:

• a diagnostic support search tool - including over 400 support business schemes
• a business support events calendar - regularly updated to include a personally curated list of between 250 to 300 events at any time
• inspiring stories from businesses that have had support to start or grow their business
• the London Open Workspaces Map - an interactive map listing over 500 workspaces across London
• a wide range of resources, such as business idea guides and a comprehensive range of factsheets, online live chat and telephone advice
• a personalised user profile allowing you to compile your favourite business support content.

Queen Mary University of London free business advice

Queen Mary University School of Economics and Finance offer free business advice and workshops for start-up companies and entrepreneurs.

Advice is provided by student advisers from the School of Economics and Finance, under the guidance of professionals from partner firms and academic staff.

Setting up and running a grassroots music venue in the current climate can be challenging.

The Music Venue Trust has produced two free downloadable guidance documents to support individuals and organisations wanting to open a grassroots music venue and once they have, how to run one.

Find out more