Railway Arches to Rent in Hackney
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.
£24–£38
avg rent /sqft pa
E8, E5
postcodes
+22%
5-year growth
Rising
market trend
About Hackney Railway Arches
Hackney's railway arches run along several viaducts through one of East London's most dynamic boroughs. The area has transformed from an industrial zone into a creative powerhouse, driven by spillover from the "Tech City" cluster around Old Street and Shoreditch. Arches here house everything from artisan bakeries like E5 Bakehouse to recording studios, tech startups, and independent fashion brands. The London Fields area is a particular hotspot, with high footfall from the park and surrounding residential streets. Hackney commands some of London's highest arch rents, particularly for creative and food businesses, reflecting the area's desirability and strong local economy. The Arch Company holds major stock, Places for London manages Hoxton arches, and Stirling Ackroyd is the go-to local agent for commercial lettings.
Transport Links
- Hackney Central— Overground, 5 min walk
- London Fields— Overground, 3 min walk
- Hackney Downs— Overground, 7 min walk
Rent & Cost Benchmarks
How Hackney compares to the London average for a 1,000 sqft railway arch
| Metric | Hackney | London Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Rent (£/sqft pa) | £24–£38 | £20–£30 |
| Typical Rateable Value | £24,000–£38,000 | £20,000–£35,000 |
| Est. Business Rates (pa) | £10,368–£16,416 | £8,640–£15,120 |
| Service Charge (pcm) | £200–£350 | £200–£400 |
| Est. Total Cost (1,000 sqft, pa) | £34,368–£54,416 | £28,000–£45,000 |
Business Mix & Sectors
Notable Businesses
- E5 Bakehouse
- Climpson & Sons
- Various recording studios
Key Landlords & Finding Space
- •The Arch Company
- •Places for London (Hoxton arches)
- •Stirling Ackroyd
Tips for Finding Space in Hackney
- 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 Hackney availability
- Check Rightmove Commercial for independent agent listings
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +Strong creative community and network effects
- +High footfall around London Fields
- +Excellent transport links (multiple Overground stations)
- +Premium brand association with East London creative scene
Cons
- -Highest rents for creative/studio space in London
- -Intense competition for available units
- -Rising rates from recent revaluation
- -Limited parking and vehicle access
Adjacent Areas
Bethnal Green
Bethnal Green offers rents 15-20% lower than Hackney with a more industrial character and excellent Central line access
Shoreditch
Shoreditch commands premium rents for gallery and tech-adjacent space, ideal for businesses needing maximum visibility
Hoxton
Hoxton offers a similar creative vibe at slightly lower rents, with Places for London managing key stock