This report seeks Cabinet approval for H&F's Affordable Workspace Strategy: 2026-2031, a priority project within the Upstream London delivery programme. The Strategy aims to address clear market failures in affordable workspace provision by exploring the full range of levers available to the Council - moving beyond planning policy alone to actively curate an affordable workspace ecosystem. This approach proposes facilitating, implementing and brokering delivery through four priority interventions, deploying £8.2 million of Section 106 funding ringfenced specifically for affordable workspace in the borough.
This comprehensive approach aims to serve STEM³-related sectors, directly supporting the Upstream London vision by ensuring innovative businesses can access suitable, affordable space to start and scale. Cabinet is asked to approve the Strategy as a strategic framework while noting that any future funding allocations to specific activities outlined in the Strategy will be the subject of future reports as required by the Council’s usual governance processes.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Affects 2 or more wards;
Decision status: For Determination
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Notice of proposed decision first published: 16/12/2025
Report access: Open;
Report Type: Key Decision;
Decision due: 9 Mar 2026 by Cabinet
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Enterprise and Skills
Lead director: Executive Director of Place
Department: Place
Contact: James Collister Email: James.Collister@lbhf.gov.uk.
Estimated value above £5m: Yes