The Testbed Arch — London’s Most Affordable Startup Workspace
Testbed Arch is an experimental coworking and community/maker hub built inside a railway arch next to The Biscuit Factory in Bermondsey. It’s designed for founders, freelancers, and small teams who want space to grow — without London’s usual price tag. Much of this is made possible because of a number of council officers at Southwark recommending the project to ward councillors across the borough (so when we open there’ll be a big long list of people to thank).
The space is being constructed on a tight budget from refurbished shipping containers, creating a flexible mix of private studios and open work areas. Every fixed deskspace costs just ££50 – 75 per month, with unlimited access — making Testbed Arch the most affordable coworking space for startups and small businesses in London!
Compared to other coworking spaces it means those small businesses joining us will have an extra few hundred pounds a month in the bank to help grow their business (more ad spend, more time, more resource). This article outlines why keeping costs low / affordable spaces are so important for startups and small businesses, and why swanky places aren’t even remotely essential for the future success of a business (almost the opposite).
Every business starts on that same flat rate, regardless of when they join. Then, every five months, the rent rises by £25 per deskspace, giving founders a realistic runway to build their business. The idea is simple: stay affordable while you grow — and when you’re ready, move on to a commercial lease with local providers like Workspace Group, L&G, Southwark Council, Pearl Yard or Arch Co etc nearby.
A Community of Builders — and Boxers
At the other end of the arch, you’ll find something unexpected: Roosters Boxing Club, a local community gym from Rotherhithe that’s been making a real impact. Run as a Community Interest Company, Roosters focuses on inclusion and confidence-building for all ages — from school kids to adults, anyone looking for a constructive outlet.
When I first heard about the boxing gym joining the project, I wasn’t sure it would work. A boxing club and a coworking space under one arch? It sounded like chaos. But now I love it. It’s got character, energy, and purpose. It’s Marmite — you’ll either love the idea of having access to a boxing gym next door, or you won’t.
For some, it’ll be a perk: a chance to train, de-stress, and connect with a vibrant local community between work sessions. For others, it might be a deal-breaker — and that’s okay. London’s full of coworking spaces, you’ll find a home right for you elsewhere! Testbed Arch isn’t trying to be like the rest.
Why It Matters
Testbed Arch isn’t about polished glass offices or artisanal coffee bars. It’s about giving real people a real start — the early-stage founders, makers, and creatives who just need an affordable space to get their ideas off the ground.
It’s rough around the edges, built from reused materials, powered by collaboration, and full of life — just like the businesses it’s designed to support. Between the hum of laptops and the rhythm of Roosters’ boxing bags, this place will never be silent — and that’s exactly the point. Bermondsey reborn.