PLACE/Ladywell
Timeline 2016 to 2021
PLACE/Ladywell is a Lewisham Council funded project, with support from the Mayor of London, to make interim use of the site that was a former leisure centre. Meanwhile Space operated it between 2016-2021 as a Meanwhile use site to support local start-ups and growing independent enterprises. PLACE/Ladywell became a thriving hub for start-ups including offices, desks, retail, including a charity-run cafe, Good Hope Cafe and indoor retail market units. The upper floors continue to be temporary housing managed by Lewisham Council.
Whilst we have stopped operating PLACE/Ladywell this year, we are delighted to hear our former tenants Shop.lucesse, Bagology.london, and Instrument.furniture remain on site at PLACE/Ladywell.
Commissioned by Lewisham Council, the build was designed and delivered by acclaimed architect by Richard Rogers to be demountable and portable for future use. We are excited to see where this building goes and continues its journey contributing to its surrounding community!
We have loved the events that have taken place over the last few years including inclusive fashion shows by Shop.lucesse to free repair services by Rushey Green Time Bank. Our plan for taking over this underused leisure centre was to create a space that helped bring people together through affordable event, retail and workspaces. A space that inspired creativity that remained affordable and flexible, helping start ups and entrepreneurs to test and develop their ideas.
It’s been a pleasure to be part of the PLACE/Ladywell community and the wider Lewisham community over the past 5 years.
If you're a start-up business, social enterprise, or freelancer looking for workspace in your local neighbourhood, find out about our available spaces across London.
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