What’s the Best Alternative to Traditional Commercial Units for Your Business?
22nd October, 2025
Leasing the right space can shape the future of your business. In London, companies often weigh up the benefits of renting a railway arch against choosing a traditional commercial unit. Both options have unique advantages, but they differ in cost, character, location, and functionality. This guide compares the two to help you decide which is best suited to your business, while highlighting why the Arch Company’s railway arches have become a thriving base for thousands of enterprises across the capital.
Differences Between Railway Arches And Traditional Commercial Units
| Category | Railway Arches | Traditional Commercial Units |
|---|---|---|
Costs | Historically more affordable, with flexible leasing options available. | Typically higher rents and deposits. |
Size | Compact, irregular spaces; sometimes part of clusters. | Wide variety of sizes, from small offices to large warehouses. |
Character | Character Distinctive Victorian brickwork, curved ceilings, and unique charm. | Modern, often standardised, with less default character. |
Architecture | Converted 19th-century railway infrastructure. | Purpose-built with steel, concrete, or wood. |
Functionality | Functionality Blank canvas spaces adaptable for workshops, studios, food & beverage, and more. | Usually equipped with modern facilities from the start. |
Location | Found in urban hubs close to transport links, often forming vibrant business communities. | Located in zoned commercial areas, sometimes further from city centres. |
Why railway arches could be the perfect spot for your small business
Railway arches offer far more than just a quirky design. Their combination of location, affordability, and flexibility makes them an attractive choice for a wide range of businesses. Their adaptability means they can be tailored to suit everything from workshops to cafés, creating environments that feel both practical and distinctive. In London especially, arches are located in central neighbourhoods, often just steps away from major transport links, giving businesses both visibility and convenience. This makes them ideal for SMEs that value accessibility and character while also keeping overheads manageable.
Railway arches offer a range of flexible light industrial spaces ideal for small businesses starting out or needing space to scale production, an arch is a practical and sustainable choice.
Whether you need workshop space, storage, retail units, leisure venues, food and drink premises, or small offices, these unique spaces combine character with practicality. Located in busy urban areas, they provide easy access to customers and suppliers, helping reduce travel time and costs. With affordable rents and business rates compared to traditional commercial units, arches are a cost-effective choice. Just be sure to check local planning regulations to ensure your business fits the space.
Renting with the Arch Company
Railway arches combine affordability, character, and location in a way that traditional commercial units often can’t match. Whether you’re launching a café, setting up a workshop, or expanding your retail presence, they offer adaptable, character-filled spaces that support business growth.
At the Arch Company, we’re proud to manage thousands of London railway arches for rent, as well as many others across the nation, offering flexible lease terms and a variety of unit sizes. Our rental spaces provide unique opportunities for businesses of all kinds to thrive in the capital.
If you’re looking for space to start a new business venture or looking to relocate to somewhere a little more unique, the Arch Company has the perfect spot for you. Simply get in touch and one of the helpful team members will get back to you to help in any way they can.
Check out our related blog: The Best Up-and-Coming London Areas for Independent Businesses and Industries