Businesses offered cheap rent at Portsmouth's Guildhall

The Guildhall Trust is offering a number of short-term office lets at discounted rates at the Portsmouth Guildhall.

Businesses within the creative sector including arts, crafts, design, fashion, film, music, architecture, performing arts, publishing, R&D, software, TV and radio, toys and games and video games, are urged to apply for the spaces, which starts at £50 a month and can accommodate up to three people at a social distance.

Initially available following lockdown until the end of March 2021, the scheme may be extended if proven successful and subject to availability.

The cheap rates include Wi-Fi, utilities, kitchen, toilet and small meeting room facilities, a manned reception and use of the Guildhall’s main stage.

Chief executive officer for The Guildhall Trust, Andy Grays said: ‘The creative sector has been particularly hard hit by the Covid pandemic so we wanted to reach out with the space we have available at Portsmouth Guildhall to offer lets and a wider support package that will help businesses to continue to develop in these difficult times.

‘The Guildhall Trust has championed skills development and careers in the creative industries through our schools’ programme for a number of years, and we are excited to offer this opportunity to the wide range of businesses that make up this important sector.’

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Support will also be available for creative businesses looking to develop in the industry from The Makers Guild, a community interest company that manages a number of makerspaces across the city from its Guildhall base.

Businesses are invited to register their interest online at portsmouthguildhall.org.uk or to contact Nick Coles on (023) 9387 0180 for more information.

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