Focus on Lewisham
Lewisham Council announces £930k funding
to increase affordable workspace across the borough The Council has launched three one-off grants to increase affordable workspace and support growth in the borough’s creative and digital sectors.
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ocal businesses can apply for a Creative Lewisham Enterprise Workspace Grant of up to £200k to transform vacant or underused spaces into vibrant and affordable workspaces that attract businesses to the borough; generate enterprise opportunities for residents; and create jobs. The grants form a key part of the Council's Affordable Workspace Strategy, which was approved by Mayor and Cabinet in July, and will also see measures including affordable workspace accreditation and businesses connected with an approved list of local providers come into force over the next two years. The Council secured funding for the three grant schemes through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by the GLA.
Creative Lewisham Enterprise Workspace Grants:
to expand on the existing provision and create more jobs and opportunities for our residents.
• Strategic Workspace Grant: Businesses could receive up to £200k to deliver new, high quality, affordable workspace across the borough.
“This is about taking steps to ensure more genuinely affordable workspace is available to the entrepreneurs, start-ups and small businesses that are essential to our local economy so that our borough remains a place where entrepreneurialism and enterprise can thrive.”
• Small Workspace Grant: Businesses could receive up to £5k to deliver new affordable workspace within the Creative Enterprise Zone of Deptford and New Cross. • Lewisham Empty Property Grant: One-off grants of up £10,000 to support businesses to revamp and reopen empty shop units in the borough. Cllr Kim Powell, Cabinet Member for Businesses, Jobs and Skills, said: “There is an increasing demand for affordable workspace right across Lewisham so I’m delighted to launch these grants
Marcel Baettig, founder of arts charity, Bow Arts which provides affordable workspace to creatives across London, said: "Affordable workspace is incredibly important to artists, designers and makers, especially at the start of their careers when much of the work they do is research-based and they don’t earn an income. These grants will ensure creatives have the time and space to hone their skills so they can contribute to the community.” www.lewisham.gov.uk/businesssupport
Lewisham agrees new dockless bike partnership with Lime Bikes will need to be parked in designated bays around the borough moving forward.
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ewisham Council has announced a new partnership with Lime to expand and improve the operation of dockless hire bikes around the borough.
Lime have also committed to removing bikes parked obstructively or discarded within 12 hours once reported. In cases where bikes are causing an immediate obstruction or danger, they will be removed within two hours once reported.
As part of the partnership, dockless e-bikes operated by Lime will need to be parked in designated bays around the borough, helping to reduce issues caused by inconsiderate parking. Riders will not be able to end their journey without parking in a designated bay.
Cllr Louise Krupski, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Action, said: “Dockless hire bike schemes are a great way to promote active travel, provided they are managed properly. By agreeing this new partnership with Lime, we can support people in Lewisham to make more journeys
using hire bikes, as well as addressing existing issues with inconsiderate parking and discarded bikes.” Manish Kharel, General Manager for Lime in London, said: “Demand for shared e-bikes in London is at a record high, and Lewisham is no exception. It’s really promising to see more residents choose greener, active transport options to connect around the borough and city. We are delighted to be working in partnership with Lewisham Council to launch this new service, including the
Photo: Pixabay
introduction of designated parking bays. We have worked closely with them to identify suitable locations for these bays - clear of pedestrian walkways and based on Lime trip data to ensure they are in areas of high demand." The new scheme will be rolled out in phases across the borough from September 2023, with designated bays installed in various locations. E-bikes that are parked obstructively can be reported directly to Lime by emailing support@li.me or by using the Love Clean Streets app.
