Railway Arches to Rent in Camberwell
South London arts hub anchored by Camberwell College of Arts. Affordable arch space attracts artists, makers, and small manufacturers in a quieter, community-focused neighbourhood.
£12–£20
avg rent /sqft pa
SE5
postcodes
+14%
5-year growth
Stable
market trend
About Camberwell Railway Arches
Camberwell's railway arches benefit from the area's strong arts identity, driven by Camberwell College of Arts (part of University of the Arts London) and a longstanding community of independent artists and makers. The arches here are more dispersed than in Bermondsey or Peckham, running along the viaducts through this residential South London neighbourhood. Rents are among the most affordable in inner London, making Camberwell attractive for artists, small workshops, and food businesses that need space without premium footfall. The area has a quieter, more community-focused character than its neighbours, which suits businesses that don't rely on passing trade. Bus links are strong (Denmark Hill station provides rail access), though the lack of a Tube station keeps rents lower. The Arch Company manages most stock, with some independent landlords. Camberwell offers a genuine alternative for creative businesses priced out of Hackney or Shoreditch.
Transport Links
- Denmark Hill— Southern/Overground, 5 min walk
- Camberwell Green— Major bus hub, multiple routes
Rent & Cost Benchmarks
How Camberwell compares to the London average for a 1,000 sqft railway arch
| Metric | Camberwell | London Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Rent (£/sqft pa) | £12–£20 | £20–£30 |
| Typical Rateable Value | £12,000–£20,000 | £20,000–£35,000 |
| Est. Business Rates (pa) | £5,184–£8,640 | £8,640–£15,120 |
| Service Charge (pcm) | £150–£280 | £200–£400 |
| Est. Total Cost (1,000 sqft, pa) | £17,184–£28,640 | £28,000–£45,000 |
Business Mix & Sectors
Notable Businesses
- Various artist studios
- Small-scale manufacturers
- Camberwell Arts Festival participants
Key Landlords & Finding Space
- •The Arch Company
- •Local independent landlords
Tips for Finding Space in Camberwell
- Walk the arch clusters in person — look for "To Let" boards that may not be listed online
- Ask existing arch tenants about upcoming vacancies — word of mouth is common
- Contact The Arch Company directly for Camberwell availability
- Check Rightmove Commercial for independent agent listings
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Among the most affordable inner London arch rents
- +Strong arts identity from Camberwell College of Arts
- +Quieter, community-focused environment
- +Good bus links and Denmark Hill rail connection
Cons
- -No Underground station — relies on buses and rail
- -Lower footfall than destination areas
- -More dispersed arch stock — less clustering
- -Limited evening economy for hospitality businesses