2223-0324 – Regent's Wharf Affordable Workspace

The council is seeking to partner with a socially-focused operator to deliver Regent’s Wharf as a sustainable affordable workspace that delivers Social Value across Islington. The space will act as a net zero carbon business incubator facility, which is for local people and aspiring entrepreneurs at the initial stages of developing a business idea, in training and/or developing their skills. This net zero carbon vision does not preclude the submission of innovative and high-quality bids for the workspace that meet the council’s priorities. We will also consider bids where only a portion of the workspace is dedicated to the vision initially, on the condition that there are clear plans demonstrated with a timetable on how the vision will be developed following the initial term of operation. The operator will be expected to work with the council and its partners (including other affordable workspace operators) to deliver programmes and activities that benefit local people, businesses, and wider communities. Examples include employment and skills initiatives, early-stage business support, networking, events, and community engagement to connect local people to the affordable workspace programme – with a particular focus on under-represented groups. The council will play a key role to introduce the operator to teams, local stakeholders and networks to support the delivery of the spaces and associated social value outputs. We require the operator to take a relationship-based approach to deliver sustainable and meaningful relationships in the local area, and to harness its existing partners and networks to provide real opportunities for local people, businesses, and communities.