Above the wedding shops on Fonthill Road sits one of Islington’s most quietly transformative spaces: SPACE4, a cooperative workspace run by the worker‑owned digital co‑op Outlandish 

Through Islington Council’s Affordable Workspace Programme, SPACE4 provides low‑cost workspace for local freelancers, charities, social enterprises and early‑stage founders, and in return the team delivers significant social value for the borough. 

For Maddy Neghabian, Outlandish’s Events and Marketing Lead, community is key. 

“Under this model, we can support businesses in a way that’s about their value and their potential,” she explains. “A hundred different people use our space and if we can’t help them directly with a query about tech or branding, we can introduce them to another member of the co-op who can.”   

A workspace that gives back

As part of their affordable rent agreement, SPACE4 reports social value every month which includes everything from wellbeing, training, skills development, and community events to the diversity of people using the space. Since launching, they’ve delivered £2.5 million in social value. 

Training and support form the backbone of that offer. SPACE4 hosts lunch and learn sessions and networking events. Alongside a thriving Job Club which has already delivered £47,000 of social value by helping residents refresh CVs, connect with employers and build confidence. 

It’s this mix of practical and emotional support that makes SPACE4 unique.

“I know everyone who uses the space by name,” Maddy says. “It’s a real community.”  

A lifeline for local founders and community groups

SPACE4’s impact is best seen through the people who use it. ADHD Babes, a Black-led community for Black women and non-binary people with ADHD, describe SPACE4 as a turning point: 

“Finding SPACE4 has been a game changer for me and my community. Space4 kindly allow us to book the space for free within our discounted membership fee. Having access to SPACE4 has made expanding so much easier — we now have a real base that centres community and accessibility.”

Through subsidised workspace, they’ve built friendships, hosted knitting socials, grown their leadership team and created a supportive home for neurodivergent residents. 

Another success story comes from Branch, an Islington based “techforgood” startup helping mothers re-enter the workforce after maternity leave. Founder John describes how SPACE4 strengthened both his mission and his confidence: 

“SPACE4 gave me access not just to a desk, but to a community of people who genuinely care about building a fairer economy.”

SPACE4 helped John find and connect with advisors and collaborators that allowed Branch to secure funding.

Building a diverse, future focused space

Between July and September 2025, SPACE4 supported: 

• 35 people from racially minoritised communities  

• 16 women 

• 4 disabled residents  

And with four more years on their council contract, Outlandish is planning how to deepen their social value by helping residents build skills, access work, and feel connected. 

Learn more about affordable workspace in Islington

Islington Council’s Affordable Workspace Programme helps organisations like Outlandish and SPACE4 thrive while giving back to their communities.  

If you’re a local entrepreneur, community group, or social enterprise, find out more about the council’s affordable workspaces today. 

Let’s keep building an Islington where creativity, community and opportunity are open to everyone.