A Creative Approach to the Resue of Empty Space
Collective is a bold new office conversion at the heart of Camden Town’s creative district designed specifically for small creative businesses. The space will be used to pilot a new ‘wireless, wall-less’ office concept which means the space can quickly and easily be transformed to accommodate a variety of needs to suit the occupants.
The concept follows on from the success of the pop-up shop scheme launched by Camden Town Unlimited in 2009, which temporarily placed creative businesses in empty retail units along the High Street, an intervention aimed to stimulate economic growth during the recession.
Dexter Moren Associates were appointed by Camden Town Unlimited and Camden Council to innovatively refurbish the old bakery. Over 3000 square foot of derelict warehouse space has been sympathetically converted into rent-free, commercial office/event space for up to 50 individuals.
It will provide new, graduate and established businesses the opportunity to work in a collaborative environment where they can build contact networks, share knowledge, foster and nurture new talent.
Flexibility is at the core of the concept, with a moveable internal structure. The ambition of the design partnership was to create the first 24-hour commercial space, where the interior can be re-configured quickly into a broad range of uses – the space can be a studio, a meeting room and a catwalk within the same day.
Simon Pitkeathley, Chief Executive of Camden Town Unlimited says "Our ambition is to make Camden Town one of the most creative districts in London by supporting the development of original, unique and eyecatching businesses. We believe that traditional office space has not adapted to the requirements of the new creative office requirements and we want to provide an office environment which actively fosters the growth of young creative businesses through collaboration."
Councillor Keith Moffitt, Leader of Camden Council says "Together with CTU we have been leading the way in finding unique and innovative ways to support the creative industries here in Camden. The opening of Collective is another step towards equipping Camden Town with the space it needs to establish itself as the creative district of choice.
None of this would have been possible without a vision and I pay tribute to all of those involved to create such a fantastic space that will serve new creative talent for many years to come."
Collective at 15-37a Camden High Street, opened 24-hours a day from 1st March 2010, offering 6 months rent-free space to exciting new companies and individuals working in the creative industries, and re-affirming London’s reputation as one of the most dynamic and innovative creative business capitals.