London’s Design District announces completion of new ‘flagship’ building

A ‘visually spectacular’ building designed by SelgasCano, B1 at London’s Design District, has launched.

Set across four storeys, it spans over 10,000 sq ft providing open-plan workspace with views of the winter garden from one end and across Design District from the other. The completion of B1 coincides with Design District’s second birthday and the release of its Impact Report, commissioned from built environment research and analytics agency Social Life.

The report explores the impact of Design District on its tenant businesses, and its success in nurturing growth and inspiring innovation amongst the creative industries two years on from its launch. Often susceptible to economic volatility, Design District was designed pre-pandemic as a secure option for creative industries.

Launched against the backdrop of COVID-19, during which 50 per cent of creative organisations and freelancers lost 100 per cent of their income by the end of March 2020 with only half having reserves to last beyond June 2020, the District provided a secure option for many businesses to get back on track.

With the dominant workspace model turned on its head, homeworking proved to be a limitation for creatives who rely on workshops, studios and collaborative spaces. Design District’s flexible workspace offering and affordability initiatives threw the industry a lifeline at a time when it needed it most.

Today, over 170 businesses call Design District their home, ranging from global brands to one person startups, working across the spectrum of creative disciplines, from lighting design to landscape architecture, dance to digital. Together, they form a vibrant, inter-connected community of creative enterprises, thriving in the face of market conditions.

HNNA, master planning architects of Design District, have created a ‘refreshing counterpoint to the big architecture’ that dominates London, with the collection of tightly clustered low-rise buildings that are human in scale, cultivating an atmosphere of intimacy, and encouraging interaction with others, fostering a sense of social connectivity.

Gion-Men Kruegel, chief creative director at HEAD Group, commented: “It’s important for us to be surrounded by other like-minded creatives and we feel right at home among the Design District community. From our initial visit to coming into work every day, our team feels taken care of and we’re now in a space where we can thrive.

Reggie Yates, writer, director and Design District member, added: “The Design District offers an incredible place to create and stay motivated. Being surrounded by like minded peers in an inspiring and considered environment has helped my process as a writer and director no end. It’s safe to say, I’m a fan.”

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

• Add me on LinkedIn and Twitter to keep up to date
• And follow Bdaily on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
• Submit press releases to editor@bdaily.co.uk for consideration.

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →