Hackney

Why Rent with The Arch Company?

We manage more than 5,300 commercial properties across the UK — including a significant number of railway arches across Hackney and the wider East London area. That means we understand the local market, the practical realities of commercial leases, and what growing businesses actually need from their space.

Transparent rents and clear lease terms

Most of our spaces cost between £15,000 and £50,000 per year to rent. We'll give you a clear picture of costs upfront — rent, terms, and what's included — so you can make a sensible commercial decision without having to chase information.

Flexible terms for growing businesses

We work with start-ups and scale-ups at different stages of growth. Our flexible lease terms are designed to give you stability without locking you into something that doesn't fit your business plan — and our 90-day satisfaction guarantee means you can commit with confidence. Let's review your requirements together and see how we can help.

We understand SMEs

We're here to help businesses make the most of their space and thrive. From guidance on what you can do in your arch, to support when things need attention, we aim to be responsive and straightforward to deal with. We're here to help businesses make the most of their space. From guidance on what you can do in your rental space to support when things need attention, we aim to be responsive and straightforward to deal with.

A portfolio built for business

• If you’ve been searching for commercial space to rent in Hackney, you’ve probably noticed that most options are short-term event hires. We offer something different: long-term commercial leases for businesses looking for a permanent, reliable base in Hackney. And that difference really matters. Self-contained, secure spaces with roller shutters
• Suitable for customer-facing, operational, and hybrid use
• Spaces available from 100 sq ft upwards
• Part of a 24.8 million sq ft portfolio — we have the scale and the local knowledge
• Established in 2019, with deep roots in the history and heritage of the railway estate

What Can You Use Our Hackney Spaces For?

Our commercial spaces suit a wide range of business types. Here's how businesses like yours are using them.

Retail and Showroom

A Hackney arch gives you a customer-facing space with real character — something a standard shopfront or industrial unit can't match. Whether you're selling direct to consumers, running appointment-led sales, or creating a brand experience, our unique commercial spaces provide the kind of environment that customers remember and come back to.

See available retail units

Food and Beverage

Hackney's food and drink scene is one of the strongest in East London. Our spaces have supported coffee roasters, independent breweries, food production businesses, and customer-facing cafés and bars. If you're exploring an F&B concept, let's talk through what's available and what the space can support operationally.

View our F&B units

Light Industrial and Workshop

Need space for production, fabrication, or trade? Hackney arches offer good ceiling height, secure roller shutters, and practical access for vehicles and deliveries. Many of our occupiers run workshops and production operations from their arch, often alongside a customer-facing or office element.

Find a workshop or light industrial arch

Studio and Office

Arches are ideal for creative studios, photography, content production, and hybrid office-workshops. If you need more than a hot desk but less than a full office, a self-contained Hackney space offers your own front door, flexible hours, and a place to truly call your own.

Explore studio and office units

Businesses Thriving in Our Hackney Arches

We manage more commercial space for small and medium-sized businesses than any other provider in the UK. Across our Hackney spaces, we've seen businesses across retail, food, production, and creative services put down roots, grow their teams, and build something worth coming back to.

“The best thing about being in Hackney is the people. They have been so supportive. This area is developing, and we were really lucky to be one of the first in this new space to really get the most out of it. So, the more people that come into the space, the livelier this place is going to be as well. We already have an amazing amount of people coming to the cafe, but those other businesses are all going to support everybody else as well. The footfall is going to increase, so everyone together is going to really create a fantastic, loving community.”

Aaron Pieterse, Owner - CuppaPug Café, Arch 187, Nursery Road, E9 6BP.

We've seen similar businesses succeed in spaces like these. If you'd like to talk through whether a Hackney arch is the right fit for your business, we're happy to help you work through the details.

5,300+ properties across the UK

24.8 million sq ft of commercial space under management

UK's largest provider of commercial space for SMEs

Transport Links in Hackney

Good transport access matters — for your staff, your customers, and your deliveries. Hackney is well-connected across rail, road, and cycle routes, which is one reason it continues to attract growing businesses.

Rail and Overground

• Hackney Central station — London Overground, connecting directly to Highbury & Islington, Dalston Junction, and Stratford.
• London Fields station — London Overground, close to the heart of the borough's independent business community.
• Hackney Downs station — National Rail services into Liverpool Street in under 10 minutes.
• Dalston Junction and Dalston Kingsland — Overground connections south to Shoreditch and north to Highbury.

Road Access

• Close to the A10 and A102, providing direct access to Central London and the M25 via the A12.
• Good access for vans and light commercial vehicles, with loading options available at many arch locations.
• Proximity to Stratford and the wider East London logistics network makes Hackney practical for businesses with regular deliveries or collections.

Cycling and Active Travel

• Hackney has one of the highest cycling rates in London, with well-used cycle lanes connecting the borough to Shoreditch, Islington, and the City.
• Strong active travel infrastructure supports staff commuting and customer visits on foot and by bike.

If you want to check specific transport access for a particular arch, get in touch and we can walk you through the details.

FAQs About Renting a Railway Arch in Hackney

How much does it cost to rent a railway arch in Hackney?

Most of our commercial units rent for between £15,000 and £50,000 per year, depending on size and location — roughly £1,250 to £4,200 per month. We provide a full cost breakdown, including any extra charges, when you enquire.

What businesses can operate from a railway arch in Hackney?

A wide range: retail, food and drink production, cafés, bars, creative and photography studios, workshops, light industrial, storage, and offices. Use depends on the unit’s planning status, which we’ll confirm when you enquire.

Are railway arches suitable for food businesses?

Yes, many are suitable for food production, roasting, preparation, and customer-facing cafés or bars. Suitability depends on factors like extraction, drainage, and planning use class. We’re happy to discuss your specific needs before you view.

What size arches are available in Hackney?

Units range from 100 sq ft to over 1,000 sq ft. Some include interconnected spaces, ideal for businesses needing both customer-facing and back-of-house areas. We’ll provide dimensions and floor plans on enquiry.

Can I make changes to the arch to suit my business?

In most cases, yes. We have a consents process that sets out what you can do in your space. We'll guide you through what's involved when you enquire, so you have a clear picture of what's possible before you sign anything.

How quickly can I move in?

It varies by unit and condition. Some are ready to occupy quickly; others may require fit-out work. We’ll be clear about timelines to help you plan.

Ready to Find Your Business Space?

Hackney arch availability moves quickly. If you've found this page, you're already looking — so it's worth taking the next step now.

View what's currently available or get in touch, and we'll help you find the right space for your business. We're here to help you work through the details — size, cost, use, access, and lease terms — so you can make a confident decision.

Speak to our team about your requirements — we'll let you know what's available and what would suit your business.