Meg Hillier opens new ‘creative business hub’ in De Beauvoir

Open for business: Meg Hillier unveils the plaque. Photograph: De Beauvoir Block

Local MP Meg Hillier cut the ribbon on a new hub for creative businesses in Hackney last week.

The De Beauvoir Block, owned and managed by the Benyon Estate, contains 33 workspaces and is already home to TV presenter and designer Alexa Chung’s fashion label.

The developers refurbished a three-storey Edwardian building on De Beauvoir Road for the Block, keeping the original pipework, bricks and wood flooring.

The work was finished in July, but Hillier officially opened the Block last Thursday in front of around 100 guests, including local businesspeople and councillors.

Sneak peak: guests tour the refurbished building. Photograph: De Beauvoir Block

After unveiling a commemorative plaque, the Hackney South MP said: “I believe that we have more creative people in Hackney than in any other local authority area so it’s great to see our industrial heritage repurposed for modern use to provide workspace; whether it’s for a single person renting desk space or a business growing into a bigger office.”

The Benyon Estate said the Block is designed to promote collaboration and conversation among creative companies and individuals. It features communal facilities such as a hot-desking area, an on-site café and a shared courtyard.

Estate manager Edward Benyon added: “In its short lifespan the Block is already achieving our vision to provide a creative hub for like-minded industries so they can benefit from working under the same roof, professionally and socially.

“These workspaces have been designed to inspire a creative community, not only within the Block but in the wider Hackney area too, and we hope everyone will enjoy being part of this.”

For more information on the development, visit De Beauvoir Block’s website here.