In June 2022 Arbeit Studios were awarded the Workspace Launch Fund from Enfield Council (LBE) to deliver an exciting new workspace in Palmers Green, N13. The aims of the funds were to deliver a site that would be on the high street on or near the centre of Palmers Green, N13; would consist of one or more units, totalling at least 2,000 SqFt; be secured by 31 st December 2022; provide a minimum period of trading (expected to be 2 years); enable the inclusion of affordable workspaces; engage with the Palmers Green Action Team (PGAT) and bring opportunities for the community to hold events.
Between March 2022 and December 2022, Arbeit Studios were in conversation with approximately 10 properties, viewed 7 sites in total, but without success. In December 2022 Arbeit Studios purchased from its own finances a site at 310C Green Lanes, N13 5TT and suggested the site and another rentable property (ex Anglian property) for the project, which fell through.
In order to activate the High street, the objectives were shifted to activating both the new site 310C Green Lanes and Devonshire Square - a new public space on the High Street. Arbeit Studios was then awarded a further fund from Enfield Council via the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to curate and deliver a programme of support for local businesses, SMEs and creatives from July 24 - March 25.
This report gives an overview of the content, impact and outcomes of the programme.