Artists who face being forced out of their Hackney Wick studios will be offered spots in new affordable workspaces being opened in run-down council buildings.
The town hall is renovating the Old Baths in Eastway and the Trowbridge Centre in Trowbridge Road and will let them out to the small manufacturers and artists at a subsidised rate.
The seven-year deal will help out those whose studios are being primed for redeveopment by private landlords. The reduced rates form part of new planning rules brought in last year protecting affordable workspace and capping rent hikes around the station below half of market rate.
Mayor Phil Glanville said: “The creative community is the heart of Hackney Wick, it’s important we do all we can to protect the industries, makers and artists. While regeneration will bring opportunities, it’s vital long-established traders are given the chance to take advantage of them.”
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