The Platform Project

The Platform Project, Loughborough Junction SW9 7AH

May 2014 – June 2016

The Platform Project provided Loughborough Junction residents with an accessible space in which they could develop new businesses. The goal was to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn new skills, test ideas and importantly, make mistakes. All partners played an equally important role in securing the success of the project: Lambeth Council and Network Rail made available unused railway arches and a building, which otherwise would have cost around £36,800 to rent; JP Morgan Chase Foundation provided funding of £265,586; and Meanwhile Space used its track record of regenerating local areas to design the project. This was all glued together by the drive and passion of local people. The impact of the project is still felt today. Ten viable businesses were created, which continue to go from strength to strength and the arches are still being used by local entrepreneurs, of which three originated from the Platform Project. The Platform Space itself is shared between former Platform participants and the events space is rented affordably for community activities.