OFFICE RENTS in Shoreditch have leapt by almost 50% in the past year,  says a YouGov survey. 

The claim is disputed by Tech City UK, which says: “Rents in Tech City are still half the price of those in West London”,  but whichever body is correct, finding space at a good price is difficult. 

Happily for creatives and new entrepreneurs, new office accommodation is being developed.

Opening next month is the Machine Halls, which will include eight serviced office spaces in a print-house with high ceilings, expansive white walls and polished concrete floors, a further development of the buildings at Hackney Downs Studios.

HDS, entered via Amhurst Road, is, says HDS’s Louise Wellby, “in the thick of East London’s creative community –  a hotbed of creativity and collaboration”. That’s not all it’s in the thick of, so Machine Halls has 24-hour CCTV

Creative Network Partners, which also runs Netil House, opened HDS in 2011. Now, says Wellby, 100 businesses, including the Russet café with its secret garden, record labels, florists, jewellery designers, bookbinders, filmmakers, architects, vintage bicycles and a mini-brewery. Hoxton Radio moved there this month.

HDS space manager Victoria Mace, top, says rents are £750 to £1,900 for 30 sq m to 85 sq m, apart from special offers.

Hamish Scott 251013

* Hackney Downs Studios, 17 Amhurst Terrace, Hackney E8 2BT. Preview evening Tuesday 29 October 2013 6-8pm: view the spaces.

* The Village Green Market will start at HDS on Sunday 3 November 2013 2013 from noon-6pm.

* Picture at top shows Victoria Mace at HDS.

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