Railway Arches to Rent in Deptford
Emerging creative district with some of London's most affordable arch space. Deptford's raw, industrial character attracts artists, makers, and food entrepreneurs seeking affordable workspace close to central London.
£10–£18
avg rent /sqft pa
SE8, SE14
postcodes
+15%
5-year growth
Rising
market trend
About Deptford Railway Arches
Deptford's railway arches line the viaducts through this rapidly evolving South East London neighbourhood, offering some of the most affordable arch space within easy reach of central London. The area has a long industrial heritage — Deptford was once one of London's major dockyard towns — and this working character persists in the arches, which house everything from metalworkers and carpenters to emerging artists and street food businesses. Deptford Market Yard has become a focal point for the area's creative regeneration, and the arches along Deptford Church Street and Resolution Way are increasingly sought after. Transport is strong: Deptford station connects to London Bridge in 7 minutes, and New Cross Gate provides Overground access. The Arch Company and local landlords manage the stock. Deptford's trajectory mirrors early-stage Peckham, offering exceptional value for businesses willing to invest in fit-out.
Transport Links
- Deptford— Southern rail, 7 min to London Bridge
- New Cross Gate— Overground, 5 min walk
- Deptford Bridge— DLR, 8 min walk
Rent & Cost Benchmarks
How Deptford compares to the London average for a 1,000 sqft railway arch
| Metric | Deptford | London Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Rent (£/sqft pa) | £10–£18 | £20–£30 |
| Typical Rateable Value | £10,000–£18,000 | £20,000–£35,000 |
| Est. Business Rates (pa) | £4,320–£7,776 | £8,640–£15,120 |
| Service Charge (pcm) | £150–£280 | £200–£400 |
| Est. Total Cost (1,000 sqft, pa) | £14,320–£25,776 | £28,000–£45,000 |
Business Mix & Sectors
Notable Businesses
- Deptford Market Yard traders
- Various artist studios
- Independent metalworkers and carpenters
Key Landlords & Finding Space
- •The Arch Company
- •Local independent landlords
Tips for Finding Space in Deptford
- 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 Deptford availability
- Check Rightmove Commercial for independent agent listings
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Among the most affordable inner London arch rents
- +7-minute rail link to London Bridge
- +Raw industrial character attracts creative businesses
- +Strong regeneration trajectory — early mover advantage
Cons
- -Many arches need significant fit-out investment
- -Less established commercial reputation
- -Limited evening economy compared to Bermondsey or Peckham
- -Some areas feel isolated outside market hours