Here at Canada Water we’re building an inclusive local economy. This is a place where businesses of all sizes have a chance to expand and flourish, providing jobs for people who live in the area.

Whatever stage you’re at in your business journey, Canada Water has a place for you.

Affordable workspace for local entrepreneurs: Thrive

Thrive, a partnership between charity Tree Shepherd and British Land, offers local start-ups and entrepreneurs a place to grow their operations, along with mentoring and advice. Businesses that have benefited from being part of the Thrive community include cocktail mixologists Strongman’s Tipple, financial advisor Philippina Prempeh and natural skincare brand MamaSia.

Thrive members also have the opportunity to put their wares in front of local customers at Thrive’s monthly markets in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. The markets offer shoppers a range of affordable and unique products from local independent traders, ranging from crystals to fashion accessories, beauty products and arts & crafts.

Incubator space for tech start-ups: Paper Yard

The timber-clad building at Paper Yard houses 33,000 sq ft of fitted and lab-enabled space. The building’s modular design gives science and technology businesses the flexibility they need now and in the future.

Two businesses currently operating out of Paper Yard are Chemastery, whose robotic platform automates chemical processes, and Prosemino, who build, finance and scale climate technology start-ups. As these businesses expand, they’ll likely outgrow the incubator space at Paper Yard but we hope to be able to accommodate them in later phases at Canada Water.

Paper Yard also employed two of the first local people who were supported into long-term employment by Canada Water Connect, our partnership with charity ELBA. Navardo, whose family have lived in the area for more than 20 years, joined as the facility’s property manager, while Angela is visitors’ first port of call as front-of-house.

High-quality HQ space: Dock Shed

For businesses that have moved on to the next level, Dock Shed offers standout space for headquarters. The building is a 21st-century take on a classic docklands warehouse, with what’s known as a ‘saw-tooth’-style roof.

With views from the terraces taking in architect Asif Khan’s Rafter Walk across Canada Dock and the city skyline, and the Canada Water Leisure Centre on the ground floor as a key part of the wellbeing offer, Dock Shed is designed to attract the best workforce employees.

Spaces for social causes

It’s not only for-profit businesses that are finding Canada Water a place where they can grow. In March this year, British Land helped charity Cyclists Fighting Cancer set up shop in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre. The shop takes donations of secondhand bikes and cycling equipment and sells them, with the proceeds going to buy new, accessible bikes for children with cancer.  “It’s going to give us an opportunity to get a foothold in London – we’ve always been a regional charity,” said Chief Executive Mike Grisenthwaite.

Alongside Thrive, Cyclists Fighting Cancer join many organisations at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre, including the established T&T2 (British Land’s partnership with Time and Talents) and The Art of Isolation (British Land’s partnership with local artist Rod Kitson). Together, they form part of British Land and AustralianSuper’s efforts to have a positive impact in the local area.

Find out more about the variety of workspace available to lease at Canada Water here.