Poplar Works, one of the Fashion District workspaces supported by the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund, was conceived around the simple idea that fashion could again become a major part of East London’s social and economic make-up.

The £6m transformation of 100 disused garages in the Aberfeldy and Teviot neighbourhood will bring a local space to nurture the existing talent and entrepreneurship, by providing affordable workspace and training opportunities, as well as creating a new community facility.

There will be 45 custom-designed, low-cost workshops and studios, a public café and events space to the area, and manufacturing facilities offering enterprise support and training programmes for the creative industries. The project is being delivered by housing association Poplar HARCA, in partnership with London College of Fashion, UAL and social enterprise The Trampery.

Ranging from 100 to 300 square feet, the applications for studio space at Poplar works is now open, will offer an ultra-affordable starting point for emerging fashion-related businesses.

Centre for Fashion Enterprise (CFE) wil provide five free studios for emerging fashion and fashion tech businesses at Poplar Works. The inaugural cohort selected to move in will be LCF alumna Bethany Williams, Rahemur Rahman, Loot Forever, Alex Mullins, Tolu Coker, A Perfect Fit and Not Very Well.