Railway Arches to Rent
The UK's dedicated platform for finding and understanding railway arch rental
Featured London Areas
Browse railway arches in London's most popular arch clusters
SE1, SE16
£26–£35/sqft pa
The "Beer Mile" — over 24 craft breweries and taprooms. Bermondsey is a foodie destination and one of London's most mature arch clusters, with a vibrant mix of breweries, restaurants, and creative businesses thriving beneath Victorian viaducts.
E8, E5
£24–£38/sqft pa
Creative hub with a tech spillover from "Tech City." London Fields, E5 Bakehouse, and a thriving mix of creative studios, food businesses, and independent retailers define Hackney's arch scene.
EC2A, E1
£28–£42/sqft pa
Premium creative and tech hub at the heart of East London's gallery scene. Shoreditch arches command the highest rents in London, driven by proximity to Old Street's tech cluster and a world-class concentration of independent galleries and studios.
SW2, SW9
£15–£25/sqft pa
Cultural landmark with The Arch Company investing heavily. A vibrant, diverse area where community identity and commercial opportunity meet under the arches, though gentrification remains a local tension.
SE15
£12–£22/sqft pa
Emerging creative hub with £3m Arch Company investment in 15 derelict arches. Strong community identity and rapid growth make Peckham London's most exciting area for affordable arch space.
N1, E2
£26–£38/sqft pa
Creative and food destination managed primarily by Places for London. Hoxton's arches blend Shoreditch's creative energy with a distinct neighbourhood identity, anchored by Hoxton Street Market and a thriving restaurant scene.
Free Tools
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What will it really cost? Calculate rent, business rates, service charges, and insurance for any London arch.
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Railway Arch Key Facts
Essential statistics for the UK railway arch market
5,200+
Arches managed by The Arch Company
Source: NAO, £1.46bn portfolio
850+
Arches managed by Places for London (TfL)
Source: TfL
60%
Of UK arches are in London (~3,150 units)
Source: NAO
£725m
Annual GDP contribution from arch businesses
Source: Hansard
25,000+
People employed in arch businesses
Source: NAO
£6.50–£38
Rent per sqft pa depending on region and use
Source: VOA / Research
38.2p–48.0p
Business rates per £1 of rateable value (2026/27)
Source: VOA
£200m
Project 1000: investment bringing 1,000 derelict arches back by 2030
Source: The Arch Company
Expert Guides
Everything you need to know about renting a railway arch
The definitive 7-step guide to finding, evaluating, and signing a lease on a railway arch. From understanding your needs to fit-out and opening day.
Read GuideWhy the total cost of a railway arch is 40–60% higher than the headline rent. Full breakdown of rent, business rates, service charges, insurance, and hidden costs.
Read GuideHow business rates work for railway arches. Understand multipliers, SBRR relief, and how to appeal your Rateable Value.
Read GuideFrom waterproofing to 3-phase power. Everything you need to budget for when fitting out a railway arch, with costs by business type.
Read GuideShould you rent a railway arch or a conventional commercial unit? Honest comparison of cost, condition, and suitability.
Read GuideArches by Sector
Specialist guides for the most popular arch business types
Use Class B2 · Fit-out £80–£175/sqft
Railway arches are the spiritual home of London's craft brewing revolution. Over 60 breweries operate from arches across the capital, drawn by the combination of affordable space, industrial character...
View GuideUse Class E · Fit-out £60–£120/sqft
Dark kitchens (also called ghost kitchens or cloud kitchens) are purpose-built food production spaces that serve delivery platforms like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat. Railway arches are increasi...
View GuideUse Class E · Fit-out £45–£100/sqft
Railway arches make exceptional gym and fitness spaces. The raw industrial aesthetic, high ceilings, and open-plan layout are perfect for CrossFit boxes, boxing gyms, climbing walls, and boutique fitn...
View GuideStay Updated
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